The Canadian Laker - December 2023/January 2024

CANADIAN LAKES, MI

DECMEBER 2023/JANUARY 2024

CANADIAN LAKES

Aspiring Artists 2023 CLPOC Election Results

SUNSET SHORES CAN

Reuther Music Pavilion

canadianlakes.org

231-972-8300 CBLakes.com 8520 – 100th Ave, Canadian Lakes , MI 49346

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waterfront Lots HVE 124 - $58,900 - East Canadian Lake RS 658 - $43,000 - Fawn Lake RN 213 - $19,900 – Little Muskegon River CT 28 - $16,500 – Cedar Creek

Kathleen Adams 231-250-3197

Sue Kempton 231-638-3498

Desiree Winans 310-488-5536

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Golf course Lots GE 1 - $19,900 – St Ives G/C RS 562 - $10,888 – Royal G/C RN 92 - $7,000 – Royal G/CRN 83 - $6,500 – Royal G/C RN 122 - $3,500 – Royal G/C

Todd Lincoln 989-560-4884

Jake Matthews 989-309-0340

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Marshall Henry 231-598-0838

Jim (JB) Bradley 231-598-4640

Rich Marino 586-630-8773

Rick Kempton 231-349-8300

The Manzagols

Becky Young 517-899-7698

Bob & Sally 231-349-8096

Canadian lakes access lots HVE 205 - $32,500 *See Above LOCY 607 - $3,500 Apache Wells LL 835 - $12,000 Pinecrest Dr RS 139 – $2,900 White Birch Dr LKCL 258 - $5,000 Huron Ct LOCY 352 - $2,495 Red Feather LOCY 608 - $3,500 Apache Wells

Michael Roberts 989-506-4275

Kolina Mako 989-423-0452

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We wish you a merry Christmas and a new year filled with peace, good health and prosperity!

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Assisted Living

Services and Amenities Three home-cooked meals per day Housekeeping and Laundry Services Nutritional snacks provided throughout the day Life enriching Activities • Beauty/Barber shop services Caring Personnel 24 hrs per day Registered Nurse on Staff Visiting Physician Services

9100 Buchanan Rd., Mecosta (Canadian Lakes Area)

231-972-6600 R lmgmt.com

DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024

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ello Canadian Lakers! The seasons have changed and the holidays are upon us. Before you dig into this issue of The Canadian Laker, please take a moment to review Century 21 White House Realty's Nights of Lights schedule. With over 100,000 led lights dancing to music on the Castle here in Canadian Lakes, you won’t want to miss it. This year’s schedule is below and the non-profit cocoa bar nights are included.

Those who have already attended these nights in past years know we will also have a food vendor onsite for most of these weekends. Brian with Twin Turbo BBQ will once again be staged at the Castle for most weekend nights. You can find his menu and schedule on our FB page and on our members website.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS (NOL) DATES: 11/17 & 11/18 11/24 & 11/25 12/1 & 12/2 both days will feature a non-profit cocoa bar.

12/8 & 12/9 12/15 & 12/16 both days will feature a non-profit cocoa bar.

12/22 & 12/23 both days will feature a non-profit cocoa bar.

12/29 & 12/30 1/5 & 1/6 LIGHT SHOW SCHEDULE The light show schedule goes as follows: music and light shows begin each Friday and Saturday from the dates above at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. A total of four shows per night with each show lasting around 20 minutes.

Whether you choose a night with festivities going on or not, it is certainly an experience we are proud to offer to our members. Make plans with your family to see the lights this year and get to brag on Canadian Lakes about how cool it is to have a lit-up Castle in your community for the holidays. It’s not something everyone has in their backyard...just saying.

Get out there and have some fun!

2 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

Photography by Kristin Wilcox CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 3

Features

DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024

Photography by Tom Gawenda

ON THE COVER Red Bellied Woodpecker Photography by Di Schwartz.

12 2023 CLPOC Election Results 15 When Will This End? 16 Reuther Music Pavilion 18 Canadian Lakes Aspiring Artists 30 Sunset Shores Can 34 Being A Realtor CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 5

In this issue DECEMBER 2023/JANUARY 2024

8 From the General Manager 10 From the Board 22 Marketing 24 From the Canadian Lakes Association 36 Life On Our Links 38 Focus on Fishing 40 Outdoor Mysteries 43 Joyce's Choices 46 Canadian Lakes Safety 47 Mobile Watch 49 CLPOC Board Minutes 53 Calendar of Area Events 54 Let's Get Social 56 Art Piece

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation PUBLISHER Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation 10690 Pierce Road Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 P 231-972-7651 canadianlakes.org PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING SVK Multimedia & Publishing PO Box 586 Hudsonville, MI 49426 616.379.4001 SVKmp.com • jolsasvk@gmail.com EDITORIAL Lindsay Halcomb, Marketing Director Art and Editorial provided by Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation thecanadianlaker@gmail.com VOLUNTEERS Joyce Wilcox Chris Zimmerman Cora Foley PHOTOGRAPHY Chuck Richardson Di Schwartz Dan Strandt Candy Parnell DEADLINE DATES Feb/March - January 3 April/May – March 3 June/July – May 2 Aug/Sept – July 3 Oct/Nov – September 1 Dec/Jan – November 2 SUBMISSIONS Canadian Lakes sanctioned groups and outside organizations are encouraged to submit articles, pending approval

by CLPOC Board. Submit all copy as an email attachment to Editor at thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.

Credits are noted with articles and photos.

GUIDELINES FOR ARTICLES Submit in Microsoft Word®, double spaced, preferably in Calibri font 11pt. or Arial font 11pt. For complete guidelines, contact thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.

GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOS/GRAPHICS Photos: Digital high-resolution photos.

Low resolution photos usually not accepted.

Graphics: Submit graphics in .png or .jpg format.

GET SOCIAL WITH CANADIAN LAKES canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org

The Canadian Laker is owned and published bimonthly by the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation (CLPOC) as its official magazine and is mailed at standard rate to each property owner of record to the address on file with the corporation. The Canadian Laker is a trademark of the CLPOC. Copyright ©2023 by CLPOC, all rights reserved.

Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content published in The Canadian Laker, the CLPOC cannot assume any responsibility for content, warranties, and representations made in advertisements herein.

Advertisements or sponsor recognition appearing in The Canadian Laker is not an endorsement or recommendation of the advertiser’s product or service by the CLPOC. All warranties and representations made are solely those of the advertiser and any such claims regarding an ad’s content should be addressed directly to the individual advertiser.

CLPOC reserves the right to refuse publication of any editorial content, advertisement, or unsolicited material.

6 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

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From the General Manager

Greg Babbitt

General Manager gbabbitt@clpoc.org

CLPOC OFFICE 10690 Pierce Rd. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 Phone: 231-972-7651 OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MEMBER SERVICES Tara Schweitzer Jane Hensley memberservices@clpoc.org

T

his is always my time of year to be thankful and reflect on the past season. Canadian Lakes truly is a recreational/ residential wonderland that continues to improve each year. During my tenure here I have met so many wonderful members. I always have nice conversations when members stop in from time to time to let me know they are moving. It can be sad to hear they are leaving but we usually reminisce for a while, and I am at times reminded of things that I have forgotten but should be thankful for. Hopefully you have things you can be thankful for as well.

8 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

A TIME TO BE THANKFUL I am certainly thankful for a number of things and from a work perspective, I am certainly thankful to all the many volunteers we have. At times the volunteers seem to be dwindling, but we always seem to be able to find enough each time. These volunteers are invaluable and Canadian Lakes is extremely fortunate to have such an amazing group. So, whatever you volunteer for, please know that I believe you all play one of the most important roles in our communities’ success.

I am very thankful of my dedicated team of employees. I would specifically like to thank my Department Heads, Kim Dowell, Casey Smith, Dennis Wolfe, Bill Hull, Kristin Wilcox, Lindsay Halcomb, Ryan Rasmussen, and Shayna Hancock.

These Department Heads take operating this place very seriously and are very dedicated to providing the best service possible. They and their staff do their work to the best of their abilities and without their efforts, Canadian Lakes would not be the great place it is.

AMENITY SEASONAL RECAP Again, this past season, we continued to see increased golf activity at The Highlands, Pines, and Royal Golf Courses, with over 50,000 total rounds. This increased golf activity also benefited the Royal Grille as activity was up and has continued to stay very busy thus far into the off-season. The Royal Grille is trending towards their best year ever. We also saw increased activity at the Campground.

And both the Outdoor and Indoor Pools saw increased attendance. This has been one of our best amenity seasons. I really want to thank the members, and all your guests, for the support you have given to the amenities this season.

WINTER SPORTS PARK The Tubing Tow will be operating at the Highland Haus on weekends when the hill conditions permit. Hopefully, this Winter we will have ample snow as it does take a significant amount of snow to build up the tube discharge area before we can make it operational. Without a proper working discharge area, it becomes a safety factor.

The ice-skating rink again this year at the Highland Haus and the cross-country ski/ biking trail on The Highlands Golf Course will again be operating this year as staff, along with some volunteers, maintain it as needed. Stay tuned to the Member’s Bulletin and our website for the latest updates on all our wintertime activities.

BUDGET The staff, Finance Committee, and Board are all in the process of preparing the FY 25 budget and 2024 Fee Schedule. One factor that exists is the Consumer Price Index is 8.7%, our ceiling is 4.3%, in which we are allowed to increase the amount of the Membership fee. Some areas of concern are our vendors/service providers, as their prices continue to increase. Also, staffing and the higher wage needs will most likely continue in order to operate the community effectively and not be understaffed or operate with underqualified staff. The ProForma budget and fee schedule will be voted on at the Board’s December 16th meeting. The Board and Management continue to be cognizant of the current economic conditions while at the same time trying to balance expenses for services against income.

IN CLOSING As we approach another year, I believe the more informed each of you are the better the chance we have of making 2024 as successful as possible. We have a diverse group of members with many different wants and needs but in the end, we are all in this together and we all want what we believe is best for the community. If we can all practice a little civility versus dislike, we can all do our part together so that we all can continue to experience the GOOD life here at Canadian Lakes.

As with every year during this wonderful holiday time, my staff joins me in wishing each and every one of you a Joyous Holiday Season and a very Happy and Healthy New Year! We hope that your special holiday time will be spent making fond memories with family and friends!

Buying or Selling?

Call Tom Garner Associate Broker

231-629-6006 tgarner.c21@gmail.com

Happy Holidays.

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS 2024.

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS CALL TOM GARNER. 231-629-6006 OR EMAIL TGARNER.C21@GMAIL.COM

$244,900

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Building site on 90th Ave. Just North of Canadian Lakes.

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Canadian Lakes waterfront building site Far West Canadian Lakes.

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Blue Lake Waterfront cottage.

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St Ives Golf front lot. Wooded setting ideal for walkout LL

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Big Rapids spacious ranch home.

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Highlands Golf Front home.

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WANTED YOUR HOUSE TO SELL!

From the Board

Paul L. Szymkowicz President pls.clpoc@gmail.com

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org OFFICERS President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com Vice President John Colley jacclpoc@gmail.com

10 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

T

his year’s Annual Election Results were announced at the Annual Members Meeting at the Castle.

I would like to thank Dan Altier and Jerry Juncker for their commitment to the success of our community. We wish them the very best of luck in the future. Steve Wilcox will be retuning as a director of the CLPOC on January 1st, 2024. I would also like to introduce the two newest directors of the CLPOC, Mr. Matt Stifter and Mr. Dan Tunacik. Both individuals have come forward to donate their time and expertise to our community over the next three years starting on January 1st , 2024. The entire CLPOC Board of Directors welcomes them and looks forward to working with them over the next several years.

Please check out the article that is contained in this issue of The Canadian Laker for more information on the vote counts for the candidate’s as well as the final vote counts of the two proposals.

I would like to thank all our election inspectors for their hard work in making the election a success.

Members Night of Lights Celebration was on Friday, November 10th at the Castle. It was a sold-out event and by the number of people that attended it looked like everyone showed up. It was truly a great night to be a Canadian Laker. The entertainment was great, the chicken wings were tasty, and the party trays were excellent. There was even an open bar of beer, wine, and soda.

Everyone was having a great time meeting and talking with their friends and neighbors. The light show certainly did not disappoint the crowd. I highly recommend that everyone bring their

Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com Secretary Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Dan Altier altierdt@gmail.com

friends and family to check it out over the next several weekends. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their support. A big thank you to all the volunteers and committees that help make this event and the following events possible.

A lot of us have friends and family that leave us for warmer weather during the winter months. We wish them all safe travels and look forward to their return next spring.

This year would not be the success that it has been without the dedicated efforts of our General Manager, staff, and all our employees. We can’t thank you enough for everything that you do to support Canadian Lakes. Volunteers also play a huge part in our continued success. We have members that serve on GM committees and BOD committees, Mobile Watch, Flower Power, CLA director and everyone that serves on their committees and members that help staff with their events. When you think about it, every member has a part to play in making Canadian Lakes the GOOD life There is a reason that we are all members here. So much can be accomplished when we all work together.

Linda Ricketts linda.clpoc@gmail.com Shannon Hannon shannon.clpoc@gmail.com Jerry Juncker juncker.jerald@yahoo.com Steve Brandt abrandtcl@gmail.com

CLPOC BOARD MEETINGS Regular Monthly Board Meeting Fourth Saturday 9 a.m., Highland Haus Workshop Board Meeting Second Wednesday 5:30 p.m., CLPOC Office Conference Room

CORE VALUES

MEDICARE MADE CLEAR

• Our heritage: We value our history and its ideals of friendliness, mutual support, affordability, and shared responsibility for our natural environment.

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• Participating in the activities we love: We value participating in activities we love with our friends and neighbors and supporting the diverse and changing interests of our members.

• Protecting property values: We value taking proactive steps to protect and enhance the investment members have made in their homes and in community amenities.

• Financial soundness and sustainability: We value a financial structure that enables us now and in the future to meet community standards for the quality of our properties, membership programs and services and safety.

• Shared governance: We value and depend on the leadership and participation of members in the governance activities of the community and on an informed membership.

• Volunteerism: We value the active volunteer community service of our members, both in Canadian Lakes and in the surrounding communities.

• Leading into the future: We value careful planning, openness to change, and taking proactive steps that will ensure our best future as a community.

BETH BLOEDEL

Canadian Lakes resident Beth@ShorepointeBenefits.com 231-920-1716 Office • 313-690-5723 Cell In person or virtual meetings available

ShorepointeBenefits.com

CANADIAN LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS VISION STATEMENT Canadian Lakes is a premier recreational and residential community set in West Michigan’s scenic heartland. As a unified community of private property owners offering an unequaled quality of life, Canadian Lakes fulfills the diverse needs of all members in a natural setting for present and future generations to enjoy. This Core Vision is characterized by:

Remodel, new construction service and water softeners sales

• The natural beauty of the area and its desirability as a place to live

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• Outstanding recreational and social activities • Financial soundness and sustainability

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• Protection of property values through disciplined growth and the development and maintenance of a high quality infrastructure.

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 11

2023 CLPOC Election Results THE CLPOC BOARD would like to thank all the voting members for participating in the decision-making process of our community. In addition, the Board would also like to thank the following election inspectors for all of their hard work. Paul Szymkowicz as head election inspector along with Gloria Rogers, Barb Collinge, Deb Macaddino, Millie Spinney, Lynn Tracy, Tim Collinge, John Napiewocki, Ron Spinney, Ray Rezek, Kathie Rezek, and Pete Zeimis.

BALLOT INFORMATION: Number of ballots sent: 3897 Number of ballots required for quorum: 975 Number of ballots returned: 1205 Percentage returned: 31% Number of unsigned ballots: 56 Number of spoiled ballots: 4 BALLOT ISSUE 1 - ANNUAL ELECTION OF THREE DIRECTORS Steve Wilcox: 885 Matt Stifter: 1037 Dan Tunacik: 986

STEVE WILCOX

MATT STIFTER

BALLOT ISSUE 2 – APPROVAL OF 2022 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES Yes: 1073 No: 62 BALLOT ISSUE 3 – RENEWAL OF CURRENT FUNDING PLAN Yes: 960 No: 230

DAN TUNACIK

Congratulations to Steve Wilcox, Matt Stifter, and Dan Tunacik.

The Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation Board of Directors would like to extend a very sincere thank you to these candidates for their willingness to dedicate their time and talent to serve our community.

If you have any specific questions relative to these results please feel free to contact Greg Babbitt, General Manager at gbabbitt@clpoc.org or 231-972-7651.

12 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

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14 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

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When Will This End? Toxicity of incivility, social media harassment, and defamation.

WRITTEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

T

here has been a growing trend in recent years indicating that some members believe that staff are at their disposal 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees work long hours to make sure their duties are preformed to the best of their abilities. Staff that live in our community like to relax and enjoy their benefits the same as all members do. It is unacceptable that some staff feel that they can’t even go to the Royal Grille for a relaxing dinner without harassment and far too often they have members stop by their homes uninvited just to further abuse them.

Directors have also been a growing target of some members. Member interactions with Directors have become belligerent and profane.

Directors have been physically accosted in public, and verbal and online harassment is ever increasing. As with our employees, it is unacceptable that Directors feel that they can’t even go to the Royal Grille for a relaxing dinner, or play a round of golf, or enjoy a day on the water. Directors volunteer an enormous amount of time trying to make this community the best it can possibly be for all members.

The above was a message that was brought to the membership at the beginning of the 2023 year. While these uncivil interactions with staff and Directors are improving, another mode of degradation is taking its place. In recent weeks and months, a new phenomenon has reared its ugly head. Some on social media feel it is perfectly acceptable behavior to level unfounded slanderous accusations against staff and Directors.

Accusations which create not only reputational harm, but strong potential for a hostile work environment, diminishing the value of this community. Accusations that not only create harm to staff and Directors, but also pose a grave threat to all members of this community. While we all have a sacred first amendment right, no one has the right to publicly defame another with the intent of damaging a person’s reputation or standing in the community. Libel is an offense of civil liability not an issue of protected speech. That means these “keyboard cowards” can’t just do their hit and run, they can and will be held accountable.

Make no mistake, there is a line that shall never be crossed. If those who wish to create this reputational harm, hostile work environment, and threaten to destroy this community cross the line, we will not hesitate to protect CLPOC. We will use all means necessary when that line is crossed to eradicate this despicable practice. This behavior does not just effect staff and Directors, it reflects negatively on the community at large. Each of you pay a price for this behavior.

If we all work together, we can all live the GOOD life, GROW our amenities and membership, and DEVELOP new technology and opportunities for Membership, so we can all PROSPER from increased property values.

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 15

Soul Syndicate Photography by David Spieker

Reuther Music Pavilion SUBMITTED BY DAVID & DIANE SPIEKER

Soul Syndicate Photography by David Spieker

16 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

“KEN REUTHER has to be smiling at seeing his vision being cared for and being attended by so many music lovers” — Jerry Springer Ten years ago, the Reuther Music Pavilion Event Committee established this mission statement: “Our mission is to provide a variety of quality entertainment during the summer for Canadian Lakes and the surrounding community in a beautiful and welcoming setting for all ages in order to promote awareness of Canadian Lakes as a destination and to encourage community growth.” Based on the crowds from Canadian Lakes and surrounding communities during this 10th Anniversary season of the Lakeside Summer Concert Series, the mission is being fulfilled. This summer’s concert series was a success, despite two weather cancellations, with one rescheduled. The rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of concertgoers for the 10th Anniversary season!

Ken Reuther’s son, Rick Reuther opened for the first concert 10 years ago and was scheduled for the first performance of this season, however rain caused a cancellation. Fortunately, Rick and the Tommy Hagen Quartet were available later in August to close our 10th Anniversary concert season.

Pent-up demand brought out the crowds for the Derek Winter Band featuring incredible local talent. Weather caused the second cancellation in June when the Lakeshore Big Band was rained out. Finally, on a beautiful Saturday evening in July, the Brenda Loomis Band returned to our stage with popular and original country tunes. Two weeks later the rain prevailed again when Shimmy Pearl was on stage and set to perform, just as an unexpected downpour caused another rain cancellation.

August gave us perfect summer evenings for three fabulous concerts!

Moonshot returned for their second year and kept the crowd moving and grooving! Always a crowd-pleaser, Soul Syndicate brought their horn section and talented vocalists to fill the dance floor! Rick Ruether and The Tom Hagen Quartet closed our concert series with classic tunes that spanned the decades.

The concert series is made possible by the support of loyal sponsors and freewill donations collected at each concert.

Every dollar collected at the concerts is used to compensate the talented musicians and these donations are greatly appreciated. Equally important are our sponsors, including Lakeside Motor Sports (title sponsor), Isabella Bank, Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty, Ice Mountain, Canadian Lakes Association, Hayden Outdoor Real Estate, Morton Township (concert sponsors), Century 21 Whitehouse Realty, Sweeney Holbeck Edison Insurance Agency, Tullymore Golf Resort and Mercantile Bank (series sponsors). Special thanks to Lakeside Pizza and Grinders for donating food for the musicians at each concert and to the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation for maintaining the pavilion and grounds. Please patronize these organizations and thank them for their continued support!

Thank you to the concert committee consisting of David Spieker, Jim Benoit

and Danielle Maneke for their hard work managing the series. The concert committee was pleased to have new volunteers to help with the concerts.

Special thanks to Amy Benoit, Terry and Karen Plaxton, Deb and Jeff Atkins and Liberty Gray for their assistance with the concert series. We could use more help, so anyone who would like to volunteer to serve on the committee or simply volunteer to assist with a few concerts, please email David Spieker at david. spieker3@gmail.com.

The performers often tell us that

the Reuther Music Pavilion is a favorite venue for them to perform with the beautiful lakeside location and the large, enthusiastic crowds for every concert.

This is a compliment to the Canadian Lakes community, so thank you to everyone who attends and supports the Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series! We are looking forward to seeing you next season!

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 17

CANADIAN LAKES

Aspiring Artists

BY CORA FOLEY

Birds, painting by Junanne Kern

CALLING ALL ASPIRING ARTISTS! There’s a new sanctioned club just for you if you like to paint or draw.

18 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

Barn, painting by Kathy LaRue

O

n November 2, 2023, the Canadian Lakes Association (CLA) approved an application submitted by Cora Foley to form this new club. Cora is a yearround resident of Canadian Lakes.

She chose to live in this beautiful community in 2020, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live on a lake after retiring from a career in information technology. Since 2021 she has served as a volunteer proofreader for The Canadian Laker magazine, which has

enabled her to learn a lot about Canadian Lakes.

Canadian Lakes is home to many friendly, interesting people, many of whom are retired. People are born with different natural talents, abilities, and interests. For Cora it was the ability to draw and a desire to create art. She took practically every art class offered in high school, but especially enjoyed oil painting. Her desire to be an artist was frequently put on the back burner however, after she became a computer programmer and proceeded to

Rainy Night, painting by Melinda Zimmerman-Boehler

Turtle, painting by Junanne Kern

Grandmother & Great Grandson, painting by Kay Wejrowski

build a successful career as a software engineer, project director and consultant.

Now retired, her desire to paint again grew stronger. In July of 2022 she met a local professional artist who offered painting classes in his studio, and with his guidance she was able to satisfy her desire to paint. Spending one day a week in his studio, painting for six hours, has been really enjoyable. Never having had any art education beyond high school, Cora learned a lot from her mentor. Having a regular schedule for painting with

Mountains, painting by Kathy LaRue

another artist has also proven very helpful. The only drawback is that her mentor, an accomplished artist, closes down his studio in the winter months and leaves Michigan for warmer climates until spring.

Even with the best of intentions, Cora found she did very little painting on her own last winter. So, she had an idea why not try to find other artistic people living in Canadian Lakes and establish a weekly workshop devoted to creating art? She reached out to Mike Burke, CLA

Director of sanctioned clubs, who advised her on establishing a new club for aspiring artists.

This new club is for experienced and beginning artists who wish to get together to paint or draw. Aspiring artists bring their own supplies, such as acrylics, oil or watercolor paints, pastels, pencils, canvas or paper, brushes, and easels. This is an opportunity for artists to work at their own pace, in a medium of their choice, in a friendly, relaxed group setting.

Members will have an opportunity to learn from one CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 19

5 Mile Road Farm, oil painting by Cora Foley

Autumn Birches, painting by Melinda Zimmerman-Boehler

Bird, watercolor by Griz Holbrook

Sugarloaf, watercolor by Cora Foley

another, and to explore different mediums if they wish. The CLPOC office approved her request to reserve the Highland Haus for the club to meet weekly for four (4) hour workshops on Tuesday afternoons. The first weekly meeting is planned for January 9, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. The Highland Haus has been reserved for the club to meet every week from January through December 2024 at the same time.

An announcement of the proposed club was posted prior 20 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

to receiving CLA approval, asking interested individuals to email Cora to be put on a club membership list. As of November 2nd, nine residents had responded asking to be included. Cora asked these early responders for examples of their artwork if they had any they wished to share? Included with this article are several examples of artwork created by talented artists living in our community and participating in the new club’s weekly workshops.

One of the members teaches watercolor, another offered to share instructional art videos on occasion if there’s interest. Like Cora, many responded that this club was just what they needed to keep them engaged in their art on a regular basis.

If you’re an aspiring artist and wish to pursue your creative talents in the company of others, contact Cora Foley by email at Tealpaca@iCloud.com.

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2023 MEMBERS NIGHT SUCCESS! What a wonderful evening of music, food & drinks, laughter, and dancing. This year’s Members Night was sponsored by the following businesses and we appreciate their continued support of Canadian Lakes more than they know.

Century 21 White House Realty (excusive sponsor of our Castle lights and beverage sponsor) Hixson’s Family Market (exclusive food sponsor, serving up wings, appetizer platters, and dessert) Radle Custom Construction (entertainment sponsor, All That Jazz) Twisted Trees Landscaping (appetizer sponsor) A1 Dock & Lift (appetizer sponsor) Schneider Electric (mirrored photo booth sponsor) Cornerstone Retirement Services (dessert sponsor) Not only are we supported by our local businesses for this fun event but we had a

Members Night 2023 Photography by Lindsay Halcomb

Assistant Webmaster Lee Ann McCormick canadianlakes.org

GET SOCIAL WITH CANADIAN LAKES canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org twitter.com/canadian_lakes Instagram: canadianlakes_mi

22 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

village of wonderful volunteers that made our night beautiful and running smooth.

Decorating Committee: Lynn Taylor, Caroldee Althouse, Cathy Chapman, and Kay Wejrowski Our decorating committee knocked it out of the park this year! Kay Wejrowski chaired the committee along with Lynn Taylor as co-chair. Lynn and Kay used their attention to detail, creative ideas, and all the decorations were truly amazing.

Caroldee Althouse was our workhorse who put in time and effort on every aspect.

Cathy Chapman’s thoughtful ideas were behind our decision to use a candy came theme this year. These gals worked hard and it really showed. Thank you, ladies!

Special thanks to Don Taylor and Gary Wejrowski, the men behind the scenes that made sure Members Night was as beautiful as it was.

Setup: Don Taylor, Gary Wejrowski, JoAnn Jewell, and Jan McBrien Clean Up: Lynn & Don Taylor, Caroldee Althouse, Cathy & Mark Chapman, Gary & Kay Wejrowski, Cathy & Eric Methner, Ann Bender, Leona Jones, Barb & Tom Werner, & Jerry and Theresa Frederick Lights, Electrical, and Overall Collaborator: Kristin Wilcox Before the start of each season of Nights of Lights, Kristin always goes above and beyond to help out where she is needed to make sure each of these events go off without a hitch. Kristin does whatever she can to help out in all aspects and we truly couldn’t get the job done without her knowledge and help.

Thank you to each and everyone who has helped make this night a huge success over the years! Your time, talent, and generous donations are appreciated beyond words.

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S E K A L N N A O I I D T A A I N C CA ASSO

Halloween 2023

Halloween 2023

24 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

Good day my fellow Canadian Lakers!

We are now saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter. Goodbye to boats and golf clubs. Hello to skis and ice skating. Seasons are ever changing and we Canadian Lakers get to have a front row seat to all of the joy, beauty, and bounties each season provides us. I’m sure we all have our favorite season of the year, but each season has its own specialties to share with us.

As sure as the seasons change, and we continue to “Turn the Page” on our calendars, so does our CLA Board Family (those of you who know me well know that I think “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger is THE BEST SONG EVER!). We are losing two CLA Board Members at the end of the year, due to term limits. Mike Burke and Peggy Brohl. They have both served our Canadian Lakes community for six years. The longer you work with people, the harder it is to see them go. Mike, Peggy, and I have been CLA board family members for four years together now.

Mike has been our Director for Purchasing and Sanctioned Clubs, and also helps with the CLA’s Medical Supply Room when needed. Mike has been a real asset to the CLA board. Peggy has been my “right-hand gal.” She has been our CLA Vice President since I joined the board as President. She truly has been so much more than that — she’s been a friend, a tutor, a good listener (and trust me she’s really good at that since I like to talk a lot), and someone I could always count on. She is kind of like the Canadian Lakes Association’s “mother hen” who is looking over all of her little chicks. I would like to thank both of them for all the time, talent, and treasure they have given to our Canadian Lakes community. You both are greatly appreciated.

So as one door closes, another door opens. If you were reading carefully, you may have noticed that I have been on the board for four years now. You can see that back in February of 2020 the CLA board was down to just eight board members (a full CLA Board is 12). So, there was an “emergency” meeting held at the Castle when then President Earl Christianson explained the situation to all of us in attendance that the CLA might cease to exist if our members didn’t step up and join the board. Well clearly Earl was a great man and motivator, because he picked up four of us who shortly became the

ett Puck hele ic M by hy by ograp Phot

IN O J ME

UN F E TH

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CLA Board Treasurer (Alice Brandt), Communications Director (Lori Gorecki), Lite Lines Editor and Secretary (Marsha Wolf) and myself. So, when December 31, 2025, comes along, this will be the last day on the CLA Board for the four of us.

One of my two main goals when I became President was to never be in a situation where we needed to have another “emergency meeting” in order to fill the CLA board positions. I’m sure most of you have come to one or more of our CLA events over the years, which include our Winter Carnival, Easter Egg Hunt, Kite Day, Summer Picnic, Ice Cream Social, Trick-orTreating at the Castle, Gals Night Out, Chili Cook-off, or one of our two dances on Halloween and New Year’s Eve. We are currently planning for a new CLA event to be held in April 2024. This will be a Singles Mingle where we will have a live band, dancing, snacks, and fun!

What a great opportunity you have to become a member of our CLA Board family and help shape the future of all of these events and more. Sooo ... we need our next Treasurer, Secretary, Lite Lines Editor and President folks to step forward soon. These positions all require time for training before you take over full time. If you read my last Laker Letter (if not please do), you can see what the CLA has meant to Canadian Lakes for the last 48 years. The CLA is the backbone of our community, and we help make sure all our residents “Enjoy the GOOD life.” I very much believe our best days are yet to come!

Change is always scarey and can be difficult, but it also brings with it new life, fresh ideas and perspectives, which is great for our community. No, old Harold is not out of ideas quite yet. I still have a few new tricks up my sleeve, but bringing in new CLA board family members breathes a breath of fresh air into our community. So if you love our Canadian Lakes Community and the Canadian Lakes Association as much as I do, and you feel you have the skills to fill the positions listed above, now is the time to come and JOIN THE FUN, become a member of the CLA Board and lead this great organization into the next 50 years.

Stay Healthy, Safe and Strong!

Harold Wolf CLA President 269-209-9871 haroldwolf63@gmail.com

Harold Wolf

President haroldwolf63@gmail.com

Chili Cook-Off 2023

Chili Cook-Off 2023 CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 25

SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE

2022 Red Kettle at Canadian Lakes Yard Waste

THE BIG RAPIDS SALVATION ARMY has a large Thrift Store in the shopping center, Downtown Big Rapids, just north of the Secretary of State office. The store has a wide variety of merchandise including clothing, kitchenware, housewares, sporting goods, furniture, electronics, books, beds, decor, tools, etc. Their prices are much lower than other resale stores in Big Rapids. All proceeds from the Thrift Store benefit the Big Rapids Salvation Army programs and services for the 4-county area consisting of Mecosta, Newago, Osceola, and Lake Counties. They are currently open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer help is always needed! Call 231-660-5060 for more information.

BE GENEROUS AT THE

Red Kettles

P

lease show your concern for those in need by giving a generous donation to the Salvation Army Red Kettles at Canadian Lakes Refuse Center, the counter kettles at Hixson’s Family Market, and at Lakeside Motorsports Winter Open House on December 2nd. All donations are used to benefit people in the four-county area served by Big Rapids Salvation Army.

GOD’S HELPING HANDS WILL BE CLOSED FOR the holiday period after Friday, December 15, 2023, and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Everyone is encouraged to visit and shop at the resale store, as the money raised from these sales is the main source of income for purchasing food, which is donated to needy families. If you have never visited, you are missing out on a great money saving resource. They are open only on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Located on 50th Ave, just south of M20. Prices are generally lower than any other resale store in our area and better than most garage sales.

26 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

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Sunset Shores' Kentucky Derby

Sunset Shores Can WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOYCE B. WILCOX

D

id you know that before Candy Land became Milton Bradley’s number-one selling game in 1949, it was invented in 1948 by Eleanor Abbott, a schoolteacher from San Diego who designed it specifically for children hospitalized and recovering from polio? Or perhaps you weren’t aware that the song, The Candy Man, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1971 movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, went on to become Sammy Davis Jr.’s trademark song in 1972 and his only number-one hit? Did you also know that in 1996 the first residents of Sunset Shores moved into this community (of Canadian Lakes) which was developed by the Bollman family, and which soon became the number-one opportunity in Mecosta County for senior citizens to live independently and enrich, enjoy, and extend their retirement years?

And lastly, did you realize that this article is going to attempt to link all three of these remarkable, standalone, number-one events?

30 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

SUNSET SHORES CAN (with apologies to Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and of course, Willy Wonka) “Who can take a sunset Brighten it for you Cover it with loads of fun and activities to do?

Oh, Sunset Shores Oh, yes, Sunset Shores can Oh Sunset Shores can ‘cuz they mix it all with fun And make retirement feel good.”

Without realizing it until recently, I guess this whole article started writing itself late one Saturday afternoon last winter as I was sitting in my family room in Sunset Shores with my then four-year-old grandson, Jack. We were preparing the game table for yet another intense round of Candy Land when we both suddenly noticed the magic happening outside the windows. The backyard and adjacent wooded area were glistening

Sunset Shores Afloat

Sunset Shores' Men's League

with what looked like vanilla frosting. Even the deck was coated, only with colorful sprinkles from the partially hidden strings of lights on the railings. It was one of those whimsical, fluffy snowfalls which alight everywhere and make the world enchanted.

“Look, Jack,” I said pointing. “Grandma’s backyard looks just like Princess Frostine’s Ice Palace.”

“I didn’t know you lived in Candy Land, Grandma,” Jack giggled.

And the more I thought about it, the more I knew he was right. Sunset Shores is like Candy Land. Only it’s for seniors. Just like what King Kandy exclaims, it’s a kingdom of sweet adventures every day. It’s a place where you can join friends for tasty treats, only more often than not they’re of a themed potluck variety instead of just gumdrops and lollipops.

With various residents volunteering to decorate our clubhouse and host our monthly potluck dinners or luncheons, the scrumptious feasts are a marvelous way to meet, eat, and greet. They are also a way to

Betty Reed at her 102nd Birthday!

acknowledge and celebrate birthdays for that month, the milestones and the not-so-milestone ones.

This doesn’t even touch upon the myriad of cookoffs scattered throughout the year and resulting in swarms of gourmet chefs battling it out for bragging rights for their recipes of casseroles, chili, soups, lasagnas, or desserts. And don’t even get me started on the weekly Saturday Morning Coffee gatherings.

This event is a bit of a misnomer, however, as there is always much more than coffee offered. There are usually more home baked goodies, Conley doughnuts, and fruit than King Kandy can shake his scepter at.

“Who can take a clubhouse And fill it with new friends Play some silly games to make the laughter never end?

Oh, Sunset Shores Oh, yes, Sunset Shores can Oh Sunset Shores can ‘cuz they mix it all with fun And make retirement feel good.”

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 31

Garden party under the trees.

Remember Toys R Us? Well, Sunset Shores has a modified version of that, only without action figures or doll houses. Just an assortment of games. There are currently weekly sessions of euchre, Mah Jong, and Canadian train dominoes in the clubhouse throughout the year as well as weekly bocce ball and shuffleboard games on the adjacent grounds during the summer months. Periodically the clubhouse is also busy with billiard tournaments, bingo games, and trivia contests. There have even been rumors of sightings of folks engaging in rounds of Scrabble, Muggins, Trivial Pursuit, and Hexlinx. Sorry Jack, no Candy Land at the clubhouse yet.

But much like Candy Land, some of our talented residents are also able to supply the entertainment.

Sunset Shores doesn’t need Princess Lolly to sing or Princess Frostine to dance when we have line dancers, chorus members, novelists, ballroom dancers, magicians, musicians, painters, poets, quilters, actors, cloggers and many more bright stars in our midst. There have been talent shows, open mics, and dancing opportunities galore for residents to showcase their special gifts and share in the fun.

Candy Land’s Duke of Swirl can’t hold a candle to these seniors!

32 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

Oh, who can take a hobby horse Race it ‘cross the lot Or celebrate the holidays in every way you aught?

Oh, Sunset Shores Oh, yes, Sunset Shores can Oh Sunset Shores can ‘cuz they mix it all with fun And make retirement feel good.”

There are other more active and challenging pursuits offered with weekly men’s and ladies’ golf leagues, periodic mixed golf scrambles, summer holiday corn hole challenges, ring toss, and putting contests. Not to put a damper on Candy Land’s Grandma Gooey’s mountain climbing achievements, but if you’re really into extreme sports, for the past few years there have been Sunset Shores Kentucky Derby races in the parking lot. These races involved colorful handmade hobby horses and just as cheerfully attired jockeys and spectators. This is a must-see-it-to-believe-it-event. Not only do the jockeys move their horses forward spaces to the roll of giant dice, there are also two heats, one with and one without the use of walkers. I can’t imagine what this group might do with wagon races for the Indy 500. And by the way, if you’re more of a sedentary

sport participant, there’s always a televised Big 10 college football game where couch potatoes can gather to cheer on their favorite team.

In addition to celebrating birthdays, Sunset Shores specializes in truly hailing holidays and little-known holiday events throughout the year. And when I say celebrate, I mean celebrate. In other words, you always have a fun place to gather with friends and just enjoy life. No holiday dining alone here. Most of these monthly events are the brain child of the Sunset Shores’ Cruise Director, Millie Diget, and her Ever-Ready-Bunny-husband, Don. How these two manage to come up with all of these events with their busy lives, is beyond me. From lavish theme related holiday potluck dinners with games and/or entertainment, to costumes and contests for all special days Sunset Shores celebrates, they’re mostly courtesy of Team Diget.

There are brunches with trim-a-tree parties, white elephant exchange parties with holiday sing-a-longs, as well as summer car shows and garden parties with costumes.

You can’t forget the Falloween parties with games of Witch (modified Bingo), 4th of July picnics with campfires, or the New Year’s Eve dress-up celebrations with hors d’oeuvres, hats, and noise makers. There are formal ladies’ teas served in May and men’s brunches prepared in June. There have been group pontoon boat parties on the lakes where residents travel from boat to boat sampling appetizers, as well as home tours throughout the neighborhood to share in our finishing touches. We’ve had luaus on adjacent White Pine Beach, complete with piped-in Jimmy Buffet music and sandcastle building contests. We even celebrated National Ice Cream Day this past summer with a decorated golf cartbicycle-tricycle parade and ice cream sundaes.

“Oh, Sunset Shores makes every day you wake Satisfying and delicious You can forget about your childhood glitches, You can even make true your wishes Yeah, yeah, yeah, who can take retirement Dip it in a dream Celebrate each birthday and make every day gleam?

Oh, Sunset Shores Oh, yes, Sunset Shores can Oh Sunset Shores can ‘cuz they mix it all with fun And make retirement feel good.”

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And to think, this all started with a game of Candy Land with my grandson, a melody which wouldn’t leave my head, and moving into Sunset Shores many years ago. I’d say thanks for the memories, Jack, but that would be a whole other article involving Bob Hope and another board game.

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Being A Realtor Becky Young, Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty, Canadian Lakes.

A TYPICAL DAY in the life of a realtor usually starts around 7 am with the sound of notifications coming from my phone. I will quickly look over to see if anything needs my attention immediately. Once a week I wake up to the most horrible sound from my phone. I have set any phone calls I get from Zillow with an alarm sound so I know the call is a live client lead. This can happen any day of the week, but usually on Sunday mornings, and goes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I answer these very quickly, otherwise I will lose the opportunity to get the lead. It costs thousands of dollars a month for these Zillow leads, so you can bet I’m not happy if I miss a call. Most of the time

Becky Young

34 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

clients want to see a home that day, and usually within a few hours. Even though I may have had plans, I need to accommodate the clients first.

I am a very trusting person by nature, so when I meet new clients, I need to remind myself that I am meeting strangers. When I show a house, I always let someone know where I am going. I have only had a couple of instances where I had my exit plan in place should the situation become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Thankfully, 99% of the clients I meet are great and I love to help them with this very important decision in their lives.

After I am done with my showing, I am off to work either at the office or at home. The first priority is my current deals at hand. It usually takes three to four weeks to close on a home with a mortgage. It is my responsibility to send the order for the title work and schedule all inspections to be done. Everything is good until there is a problem. I would say that 80% of my purchase agreements have issues that need to be dealt with while we are waiting to close. Inspectors may find that a new roof is needed, or the septic field needs to be replaced. I then need to address it with both the sellers and the buyers, and then we reenter back into negotiations. It could be at this point that we do not come to an agreement and the deal is off.

There is a high level of emotional stress involved on any given day. I have been three to four weeks into the process of a deal when the client’s financing fails, the appraisal comes in short of the selling price, or one of the parties backs out of the deal. All the time spent looking for the right house, the weeks spent waiting to close,

and then everything falls apart at the ninth hour. It can be devastating for all parties. I work solely on commission as a realtor and if I do not close the deal, I do not get paid. I recommend for anyone considering entering the profession to not quit their day jobs. This profession is not for everyone, and getting to the point where you receive regular commission checks can take years.

I forgot to mention that during the course of the day my phone continues to ring, and I have received multiple texts and emails. The ability to stay on track and multitask during the day is very important. When there are multiple deals in process, I have to be very organized in order to keep things on track for each closing.

At this point in the day, it would be quitting time for most occupations, but I’m entering into the evening hours of my job. The phone usually doesn’t stop until 10 pm. Not every moment of every day is filled with real estate agent duties. I have learned to grocery shop, run errands, and prepare a Thanksgiving meal all while answering clients calls and setting up the next showing. I am grateful that this is a continuous process, and I don’t see myself doing anything other than being a real estate agent.

Many ask what the forecast is for the housing market? It is uncertain what the spring market will bring. I do see the prices of homes stabilizing, and the excessive overbidding to decline. If interest rates continue to climb there will be a low number of homes on the market and in turn it will remain a seller’s market.

As I have shared insight into the day in the life of a realtor, I hope this has been informative and interesting.

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8520 – 100th Ave, Canadian Lakes , MI 49346

Life on Our Links

Dennis Wolfe

PGA Golf Pro 231-972-8979 dwolfe@clpoc.org If you have questions about golfing in Canadian Lakes, call Dennis Wolfe at The Royal Golf Shop.

(231) 972-8979 9775 Club House Dr E Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

36 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

W

ow, what a great season we just experienced! Our total rounds for the season were 50,275.

This is an increase of 5674 rounds over 2022 or a 12.7% boost in activity.

The above column graph compares golf activity for the three years prior to inclusive golf and three years post COVID (2021-2023). We left out COVID (2020) year due to the unique dynamics in operating a business in May & June.

(231) 972-7155 11560 Belle Isle Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

GROWTH BY MONTH OVER 2022 May: 15.2% June: 11.2% July: 11.4% August: 11.2% September: 15.7% The consistent growth pattern shines a bright light on our community growth (active member households and member assignees).

HOLE-IN-ONE CLUB WINNERS We had five players cash-in on the Canadian Lakes Hole-In-One Club this past season. Congratulations to the following players on your memorable shots!

Lynn Cluskey: #9 Highlands Jason Whitcomb: #16 Royal Mike Sylvester: #7 Royal Dennis O’Toole: #16 Royal Gary Newman: #7 Royal These players are living proof that you never know when the next shot is going in!

(231) 972-2900 10690 Pierce Rd Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

2024 TENTATIVE GOLF EVENT SCHEDULE Here is the lineup for the 2024 season. This schedule is subject to change, and we will communicate those changes when they happen.

Apr. Chippewa Hills Boys Golf Invitational Apr.13 Green Jacket Betterball @ Royal Apr. Chippewa Hills Boys Golf League Match May 4 Derby Dash Scramble @ Royal May 8 Remus Lions Golf/Bowl @ Royal May 15 Mecosta County Chamber Golf Outing May 18 Match Play Blitz @ Royal May 26 BIG CUP Family Scramble @ Pines June 5 Tri-Lakes Golf Benefit @ Royal June 8/9 Canadian Lakes Classic June 12 Chip Hills Sports Boosters @ Royal June 19 Habitat for Humanity @ Royal June 26 Morley Stanwood Girls Basketball Outing @ Royal July 6 Firecracker Open @ Royal July 10 St. Mike’s on Spikes @ Royal July 17 9-Hole Ladies Invite @ Royal July 20 Match Play Sixes @ Royal Aug. 3/4 CL Men’s Invitational @ Royal Aug. 7 Angels of Action LaSenorita Scramble @ Royal Aug. 8/9 Junior Club Championship @ Pines Aug. 14 WCAR Outing @ Royal

Aug. 17/18 Club Championship Weekend Aug. 21 Gals on the Green @ Royal Aug. 28 Mobile Watch Outing @ Pines Aug. 30 CL Kings & Queens @ Royal Aug. 31 Patriot Golf Day Scramble @ Highlands Sept. 4 Ladies Cup Matches @ Royal Sept. 12 Canadian Lakes Cup Matches @ Royal Sept. 21 Forward Tee Open @ Royal Oct. 19 Chili-Dog Scramble @ Royal Oct. 31 Last Day of the Season JUNIOR GOLF CAMPS June 17, 18, 20, & 21 July 1, 2, 3, & 4

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FOCUS ON

fishing

Dale Doepker

For questions about the Fishing Club or about fishing in Canadian Lakes, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.com or 231-972-8663

Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Update AT THE OCTOBER FISHING Club meeting, a motion was passed to continue the officers of 2023 for another year: President Dale Doepker, Vice President George Groll, and Treasurer Jo Alex. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 7 p.m. at the Alpine Haus. All Canadian Lakers interested in fishing or helping kids catch fish are encouraged to attend. We will begin planning our events for the summer season. Please remember to release live all bass and muskies, plus pike that are 24” and over.

Clarification of Pike Fishing Rules: According to the official Michigan Fishing Regulations, the special rule which allows possession of five pike any size, but only one over 24”, applies only to our Canadian Lakes which are between Pierce and Buchanan Roads. In all of our other Canadian Lakes, the standard pike rule applies with possession limit of two and minimum size of 24”. However, our Canadian Lakes Fishing Club requests live release of all pike 24” and over. Open season for all areas is from the last Saturday in April to March 15.

Christmas Gift Idea THE CANADIAN LAKES FISHING CLUB has a full complement of caps and t-shirts for sale. They would make excellent Christmas gifts for both your young and older anglers. There are summer mesh hats at $6 each and the embroidered hats at $15 each. The t-shirts are in various sizes from youth to adult and sell for $12 each. They have some xxxl t-shirts, which can be used as beach or sleep wear. Contact Jo Alex at joalexclakes@comcast.net or 847-754-8137 if you are interested in some Canadian Lakes Fishing Club gear.

19th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby Saturday, February 10, 2024, 9 a.m. to noon BRING THE KIDS for a fun time ice fishing. No registration needed, just show up. Fishing rods, bait, holes, bonfire are all provided free. The Optimists Club will be providing free hot chocolate and donuts. CL Fishing Club members will give instruction and assistance in catching fish. In past years, kids have caught hundreds of bluegills and perch, plus several pike.

The location is on the Main Lake, just south of Buchanan, off West Royal with parking east of the Dog Park. We will also have a free raffle for the kids with over a dozen great prizes at 10:30 a.m. Adults are welcome to come and learn the techniques. If you have any questions, please call Dale Doepker at 972-8663 or send him an email at dtroutman97@aol.com.

38 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

List of Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Activities Held in 2023 • Feb 11 - 50 kids participated in the 189th Annual Ice Fishing Derby. The Fishing Club furnished all tackle, bait, holes, and assistance. We gave out 30 free raffle prizes. The Optimists Club provided hot chocolate and donuts.

• The 21st Annual Young Angler’s Contest had over 110 kids sign up. 40 awards were given out, plus every kid who entered received a gift bag. A picnic lunch was provided by the Optimists Club.

• June 24 - 23rd Annual Bass Tournament, with 2 boats. The total weight winner for five bass was 18.32 pounds and largest bass was 5.00 pounds.

• Aug 5-6 - 17th Annual Bullhead Tournament. 40 fishermen entered and 104 bullhead weighed in. The winner had eight bullheads weighing 6.84 pounds. The largest was 1.9 pounds.

Fish was cooked for entrants.

• Sept 10 - 20th Annual Pike Tournament. 23 anglers and 89 pike and muskie caught and released. The largest was 31” muskie and most total pike caught by one fisherman was 17.

• Five 3-hour Fishing Fun Nights were scheduled from May through September, but one was canceled due to poor turnout.

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523 Wilson Ave. NW • WALKER, MI 49534

Call (231) 972 - EARS (3277)

• Purchased 60 subscriptions to MUCC Tracks Magazine for area kids.

today or visit us online at www.KaczmarskiHearing.com

• Donated six fishing rods & four tackle boxes to Salvation Army Angel Tree.

Locally owned and operated!

• Youth And Big Fish Year Around Contest. 13 trophies were awarded to kids and two trophies for largest fish of the year.

© 2017 Starkey. All Rights Reserved. 4/17 53096-17

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Work with a LOCAL expert with over 18 years experience who can guide you through the complicated process.

• Medigap Supplements • Medicare Advantage Plans • Part D Prescription Drugs

Frozen Lakes Safety BELOW ARE SOME common safety tips to remember before venturing out onto any frozen lake or pond: 1. Check the ice thickness with a spud or auger.

Be aware that snow or slush can hide thin areas.

2. Do not go out alone. Also, carry a rope and ice spikes.

3. Take a cell phone to call 911 for help for yourself or others.

4. To help someone who falls through, do not go near the hole, but use a rope or long object to help them.

5. If you make a large hole for ice fishing, insert a tree branch to mark it before leaving.

Call Nancy Courser for a no cost, personalized consultation:

www.nancycourser.com ncourser@cornerstone-rp.com 8515-100th Ave., Stanwood, MI 49346

(616) 401-0750 We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer over 70 products in your area. Please Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 39

History’s Mystery and Honest Abe Lincoln MY

STERIE

S

By Chris Zimmerman

Abe’s original signature Courtesy Heritage Auctions, Beverly Hills CA

Cutline

40 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

W

hen long-time Canadian Lakes members Joe and Lee Ann McCormick took on a retirement project, they never realized the historical importance of the property they bought.

Roughly halfway between Remus and School Section Lake on the south side of M-20 is a beautiful farm with a long driveway. In a rustic, spacious kind of way, the setting could be mistaken for the set of the hit TV series, Yellowstone. On the left, a giant farmhouse; straight ahead and to the right are two tall, wood-sided barns. All the buildings are teeming with character and charm. A passel of gnarled apple trees stands silent next to a bundle of pines that whisper the mysteries of life in the early 1860’s.

Why is this place so historical? A swirly, old fashioned looking “Abraham Lincoln” signature is on the faded, yellowish deed, dated March, 1862. Keep in mind that the Civil War started eleven months prior at Fort Sumpter in April, 1861. The state of Michigan was only 25 years old at that time, and life expectancy for those living in the United States was only 40 years.

Honest Abe knew the United States government didn’t have much money, and the Union Army would need provisions, including potatoes. Lots and lots of potatoes. As the story goes, the original owners of the McCormick property were deeded acreage in

Joe and Lee Ann McCormick

exchange for spuds for Lincoln’s army.

Mecosta historian Annette Kirk is acquainted with the McCormick farm.

Her data suggests that the acreage was first owned by the Gingrich family, who emigrated from Switzerland way back in 1682. As the years passed, the family grew and spread throughout Ontario and the United States. Brothers John and Ely Gingrich came to Mecosta County by way of Canada, Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Greenville, Michigan. In 1860, they bought 320 acres, which included the McCormick property, for the price of 25 cents an acre.

Chances are, there was no home on the property then, but eventually a small log dwelling was built. Kirk’s records say that the Gingrich family had regular encounters with coyotes, lynx and bears. On at least one occasion, the young Gingrich family was trapped inside the house when a pack of coyotes surrounded the building. How long the coyotes tormented the family inside remains a mystery. The coyote incident serves as local folklore, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding the property. (In case you were wondering, printed versions of the fable, “The Three

Little Pigs,” dates back to the 1840’s.)

Eventually, the farm and part of the acreage was sold to the Schiffer family. One of the Schiffer’s was quite involved in the military and his name is on the sign in front of the Mecosta VFW building.

In the 1970s, when St. Michael’s Church in Remus upgraded their sanctuary, the owners of the farm took possession of several pieces of framed stained glass.

When the prior owners added onto the original house, the stained glass became part of the master bedroom, the great room and a miniature playhouse in one of the outbuildings. The stained glass adds a pious touch to the structures, and doesn’t seem out of place.

The house inside has a rustic feel. An antique wood-fired cook stove is fully functional – both as a source of heat and a place to prepare a meal. McCormick has cooked bacon and flapjacks on the griddle.

The temperature of the stove and oven are adjusted by fiddling with the flue.

Pictures of the buildings adorn the walls, and of course, the famous deed is prominently displayed. At first blush, Honest Abe’s signature looks legitimate, which would make the document

extremely rare. A brief search of the internet suggests that presidents’ signing of land grants was discontinued during Andrew Jackson’s second term. Jackson was the seventh president of the United States and served from 1829 to 1837. Lincoln served from 1861-65. Congress passed a law in 1833 authorizing the president to appoint a special secretary to sign land grants on his behalf. Most land grants during Lincoln’s tenure were signed by William O. Stoddard, who was officially appointed for the task on July 15, 1861. Note: Stoddard’s name is on the McCormick deed.

Just how rare would it be to have an autographed Abe Lincoln deed? It’s hard to say. Sadly, the history department at Ferris State University didn’t return my calls.

The History Channel’s “Pawn Stars” in Las Vegas, Nevada, said they couldn’t give me any information over the phone, nor would they be interested in buying the deed if the McCormick’s brought it to the shop.

The people at Pawn Stars’ shop suggested I call Heritage Auction Service in Beverly Hills, California. They deal in fine arts, rare coins, comics, entertainment memorabilia, and luxury accessories.

Sandra Palomino, who works at Heritage,

said that Stoddard’s signature looks legitimate and that it was common practice for Stoddard to sign Lincoln’s name above his own. After emailing her a photograph of McCormick’s deed, Palomino writes, “Abraham Lincoln did not sign the deed.

Stoddard has signed for him. The Abraham Lincoln signature was signed by Stoddard.

This is called secretarial signature…(and) they are not collectable.”

So, there it is: the Paul Harvey on Abe’s signature. It’s not Honest Abe’s signature on the deed, but rather, Stoddard signing Abe Lincoln’s name above his own. Everyone loves a good mystery. Even if Honest Abe didn’t sign the original deed, it’s interesting knowing that the McCormick’s land had a small part in feeding the union army, many, many years ago.

So, what are the McCormick’s plans for the farm? You never know. Could be potatoes. Could be honey. The McCormick’s love their honey bees. One thing is for certain, the new farm in the McCormick’s world is creating quite a buzz.

Chris Zimmerman is a Canadian Lakes resident, a small business owner, and the author of six Michigan-based novels.

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Wishing you and yours joy, peace good health and abundant blessings this holiday season and in the new year!

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24

Joyce's Choices

TOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BY JOYCE B. WILCOX

Long Shadows

W

hether you’re looking for something special for a specific someone or you’re trying to put together your wish list to send to Santa, may I suggest you take time for tomes and consider the recommendations in this issue’s Joyce’s Choices? From captivating thrillers to gripping suburban mystery to humorous domestic fiction to three holiday romance novels with their fair share of mishaps, I guarantee you that there is something for everyone. So instead of just wrapping up gifts, why not get wrapped up in a good book for the holidays?

by David Baldacci With over fifty books to his credit, David Baldacci has definitely mastered his craft and is considered by many to be “this generation’s premier storyteller.” His pacing in Long Shadows is impeccable, leaving you on the edge of your seat with the final words of each and every one of his short, crisp chapters. One of the many reasons I enjoy reading Baldacci’s books is that I’m a little queasy about brutal murders, and he’s another one of those writers who has mastered being suggestive without being too graphic. A talented writer who leaves much to your imagination, Baldacci can dip his toe in the pool of blood and pique your interest while not having you dive into the gruesome crimson sea.

Long Shadows is the seventh and latest book in Baldacci’s Memory Man series, but it is also a stand-alone novel for those of you who are new to the series. FBI consultant Amos Decker, the outspoken man gifted with total recall, is called in to assist with a double homicide involving a federal judge and her bodyguard.

Possible perps abound with the judge’s court cases involving drug dealers, gang members, and smugglers, so Decker’s work is cut out for him. The tension is magnified as Decker is in the middle of several personal crises as well as also being assigned to break in a new partner for this case. Bodies abound while other bodies disappear, and multiple crimes stack up as Decker and his new partner attempt to put the puzzle pieces together. If you’re looking for a captivating mystery with fascinating felons, astonishing angles, and precipitous pacing, look no further and put Baldacci’s Long Shadows on your short list of must reads.

Takes One to Know One

by Susan Isaacs Not that long ago I was thrilled to find Susan Isaacs on the guest authors’ list at a Metro Detroit Book & Author Society’s luncheon and I was determined to hear her speak.

As a talented author of various award-winning novels in the romance, thriller, and humor genres, she has been a must-read writer for me through the years. Needless to say, I was overthe-top thrilled when she spent quite some time discussing writing with me while she signed a copy of Takes One to Know One, her suburban mystery thriller.

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 43

Isaacs cleverly crafts a compelling read by presenting the reader with an intelligent, intuitive, and interesting protagonist, while writing entirely in the first-person narrative. This “I said, I did, and I feel” writing technique successfully places the reader in the center of the action. You instantly relate to Corie Geller, a thirty-five-year-old retired FBI agent, now literary scout for Arabic fiction, as she transitions to suburban housewife.

Struggling to keep her past in the past, she has also recently married a brilliant judge and is helping to raise his fourteen-yearold daughter, whom she has adopted.

Balancing a new career, marriage, and family apparently isn’t enough for Corie.

She also joins a weekly suburban luncheon group of freelancers as they meet to encourage each other and brainstorm for success. Corie’s FBI instincts kick in when she suspects that one of their enterprising members isn’t truly who he says he is, and being Corie, she surreptitiously investigates. She digs deeply and dangerously into her discoveries and the reader is pulled along, as is Corie’s father, a retired NYPD detective. Susan Isaacs doesn’t disappoint with this novel. The author’s dialogue is crisp and witty; her plot and narration are engaging; and her pacing is gripping.

The Operator

by Gretchen Berg While this author is well known in the television writing and producing world with shows such as Pushing Daisies, Revenge, and Star Trek: Discovery, Gretchen Berg is a novice novelist with her debut novel, The Operator. However, she’s an extraordinary domestic fiction and humor novelist at that. Having been raised in the Midwest, Berg didn’t hesitate to set her story in the virtually unknown Wooster, Ohio and brings the residents, the town, and the decades of the 1930s through the 1950s into focus. Tiny town, nasty neighbors, scandalous secrets, hilarious happenings, and larger than life lies; what more could a reader ask for?

What was it like being a housewife in 44 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

the 1950s? Just ask Wooster switchboard operator Vivian Dalton and she’ll give you an earful. Or at least she will as long as she’s not busy eavesdropping in on the calls she’s connected other people to at her job for Ohio Bell. But every operator listens in, so apparently, it’s okay. Sometimes the revelations heard are mundane and other times they’re outrageous. And then one night Vivian hears some shocking news as the town’s gossipy queen-bee is talking to an unidentified caller and Vivian learns about a vicious rumor of which she is the victim. Vivian is determined to get to the source and clear her own name and reputation, but how? She’s a housewife in the ‘50s with all the social, physical, and financial restrictions of that time period and believe me, there were plenty. But with her amazing pluckiness, Vivian forges forward and you, dear reader, are pulled along on the extension.

Home Sweet Christmas

by Susan Mallery With all of the sugary coated cheer of the Christmas season mixed with heartfelt humor, Susan Mallery laces her tale of love with the traditions and recipes of hometown holiday happiness. This author of NYT’s bestselling novels has created captivating Christmas characters with homespun and Hallmarkesque happenings, which fill stockings and your heart with the joy of the season.Home Sweet Christmas will keep you home for the holidays and reading.

Camryn leaves her Chicago junior executive job and returns to assist in raising her younger twin sisters because her mother is in hospice. She suddenly finds herself their guardian, and also running the family’s gift-wrapping business in Wishing Tree, Washington. At the same time, Helen, the town’s meddler, crusades to find an ideal match for her

son, Jake. This persistent pest of a parent coerces several available young women, including Camryn, into assisting her with Project: Jake’s Bride. Coincidentally, love is also in the air for Camryn’s close friend, River, as she is selected as the town’s Snow Queen and is paired with another eligible bachelor, Dylan, the town’s Snow King. As both women succumb to the charms of the holiday season and the men in the town, their lives become more complicated and naturally decisions must be made, causing them to rethink their futures. Ah, but this is Wishing Tree, not Hallmarkville, so you’ll have to read Home Sweet Christmas for yourself to see how the storyline wraps up.

Santa Cruise

by Fern Michaels If you’re looking for a romantic holiday escape, why not set sail with Fern Michaels’s Santa Cruise? Known for bringing the joy of this special season to her readers in her twenty-plus Christmas novels, with Santa Cruise, Michaels delivers her holiday message in a heartwarming, lighthearted, and schmaltzy way. In other words, she’s right on target for her audience, just like she was with her other sixty-plus novels. And to think that her very successful writing career all started years ago when Michaels turned forty, her youngest of five children started school, and her husband told her to go get a job.

The story begins when one fateful day in June, four millennials travel across the country to attend their fifteenth high school reunion and are reunited by chance. These former best friends spend the evening filling in the blanks, catching up, and reaffirming their friendships. The women are smart, savvy, successful, and currently single. Since all four women aren’t in serious relationships, they make a pact and decide that if none of them have dates for New Year’s Eve by Thanksgiving, they’ll go on a singles’ cruise together to have some fun.

Between the book’s title and that cruise pact reached in chapter one, the reader knows the direction of the story but what

happens next is where Michaels earns her title of best-selling author. What follows are endless opportunities to meet the potential partner of their dreams at scrumptious dinners and elaborate dances, all the while exploring fascinating and romantic ports.

Love is apparently in the air as well as on the high seas. The best friends discover, however, that Cupid doesn’t always launch an arrow quite as expected and that’s where the fun, festivities, and fireworks flutter as do their hearts.

The Christmas Train

by David Baldacci I must admit, I did not start out thinking I’d be including two novels by the same author in this Canadian Laker issue, but David Baldacci managed to convince me otherwise. Not only has this remarkable writer mastered the art of the thriller, suspense, crime, political, and countless other genres, but I happened to recall that he wrote an amazingly good Christmas story, The Christmas Train.

Now, I also have to admit that I read and enjoyed this novel several years ago, but just for you, dear reader, I read it again recently so I could review it for Joyce’s Choices this year.

My time spent rereading The Christmas Train was well worth it and I hope you’re on track to enjoy it, too.

With the romance of the holiday season and the tug-tug-tugging of heartstrings chug-chug-chugging along the railroad tracks, magazine journalist Tom Langdon begins his Christmas adventure of a lifetime. Quite different from his previously harrowing overseas war correspondent assignments, he’s now chronicling his slow journey from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, California in order to capture the essence of extended train travel. His ultimate plans include spending the holidays with his long-distance romance girlfriend of many years, actress Leila Gibson. H’mmmm.

And what is it they say about the best-laid plans going awry?

Even though Providence isn’t one of his destinations, providence does step in to

change Langdon’s destiny. Passengers and crew members are as diverse, outrageous, loveable, and unpredictable as you’ll ever find, and make for an incredible journey. The action never stops, even as the train makes its stops. There are holiday romances blossoming, quirky train cabin occurrences, precious possessions stolen, movies being made, blizzards causing havoc, and yes, even a railroad wedding taking place. Little does Langdon realize that his hopes, fears, dreams, and nightmares of a cross-country excursion are about to take him down the twists,

turns, and tunnels of life. In other words, even with a locomotive trip bound for California, you’ll be going nowhere but your favorite reading chair until you finish reading about the journey of The Christmas Train. All aboard!

So, whether you’re traveling to warmer climates and reclining on the beach, or you’re snuggling with a cozy quilt next to your fireplace in Canadian Lakes, I hope you’ll consider at least one of these fabulous finds this winter. Remember: It’s tomes for the holidays!

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CBLakes.com 8520 100th Ave. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 231-972 231 972231972-8300 CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 45

Safety

Kristin Wilcox

Safety Director kwilcox@clpoc.org

See something, say something!

See something, say something!

46 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

See something, Say something …

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE this opportunity to speak about the increased amount of vandalism and theft that the Canadian Lakes Community has experienced over the past several years. This type of behavior has been increasing exponentially all over the United States during the past couple of decades. For some reason a large portion of society has adopted an “all about me” mentality. Rules that have been put in place to protect lives, and investments, are now being followed when it is convenient, and ignored when it is not. For many years the ruralness of our community has sheltered it from outside influences, and we have existed in relative peace.

Your Canadian Lakes Safety Department is made up of a team of eight unarmed individuals that patrol this community as a single officer in a truck, two shifts a day, seven days a week, 363 days a year. Notice that I said unarmed; we do not carry weapons on us or in our vehicles. Many on the Safety Team are not trained to use weapons, and many are over the age of 65 and enjoying their retirement in this beautiful community.

We hope you understand that when you call us to report a problem in the community, we have very strict protocols that we follow. For instance, if you are calling to report an altercation, fight, person with a weapon, theft in progress or any other incident involving a potential violent altercation, they will take your information and direct you to call 911. If during their patrols they see a potential altercation, fight, person with a weapon, theft in progress or any other incident involving a potential violent altercation,

they will contact 911 and remain at a safe distance to relay information to the proper authorities.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU IN THE COMMUNITY? It means that we will do our best to keep this community safe with the tools and training we are given.

HOW CAN YOU HELP US? If you see something, say something right away! The sooner we are alerted to issues in the community such as “turfing” by off road vehicles or suspicious activity, please call the on-duty Safety Officer at 231-9728555. Due to the size of the community and the many tasks that we are required to complete each day, we may be on the other side of the community when you call, and we may not always get there during the act.

You can assist us by safely taking clear pictures of the vehicles, any identifying marks, the license plate (if it’s a car or truck), or CL ORV #’s if it is an offroad vehicle. You may also contact the Mecosta County Sheriff ’s Department non-emergency line or 911 (if it is life threatening) and have a deputy or trooper respond.

WHAT ABOUT THEFT IN THE COMMUNITY? All reports of theft in the community must be directly reported to the Mecosta County Sheriff ’s Department by calling either the non-emergency or emergency number. You may also call us to report a theft, however we will also direct you to file a police report. We cannot assign case numbers that are needed for insurance, and we do not have the capabilities to perform an investigation of this type.

As always, we thank you for being our eyes and ears, the Canadian Lakes Community belongs to all members. We all must do our part to help keep it beautiful.

911 House Numbering Project PHIL LITTLE | MOBILE WATCH BACK UP CAPTAIN – AREA 9

Y

our Mobile Watch would like to encourage homeowners who do not have a two-sided reflective address sign for their home to obtain one, and to place it properly. These signs are the best way to identify your home easily and accurately to first responders, Canadian Lakes Safety, and Mobile Watch volunteers.

Signs are available from Morton Township for $20.00 per sign. A sign request form can be obtained in the “Forms” section of the Morton Township website, under “Zoning.” The forms can also be obtained at the township hall.

Signs purchased from the township include the post, the sign, necessary fasteners, and installation. Morton Township can be contacted by phone at (231) 972-7138, on the Internet at www. mortontownship.org, or by email at clerk@ mortontownship.org. The township hall is at 290 W. Main St., Mecosta, MI 49332.

Homeowners can also purchase a reflective sign kit from the Canadian Lakes ACE Hardware. These kits sell for $18.99 and consist of a green metal plate and a packet of reflective, adhesive address numbers. This kit does not include a mounting post, mounting hardware, or installation. Canadian Lakes ACE Hardware is at 8370 100th St. Their phone is (231) 972-1319.

If you purchase a sign and are unable

to install it, Canadian Lakes Mobile Watch can assist. For details, contact Roger Stobert at 231-288-1048, or spankky@ charter.net. At least three days before installation, the homeowner must also call Miss Dig to have underground utilities marked. Cable TV lines in particular are often not buried very deep.

Proper positioning of the reflective address sign is very important. This photo shows a well-located sign. Some points to consider: • Mounting the sign on your mailbox is discouraged unless your mailbox is

on the same side of the street as your house and is located directly in front of your house. Otherwise, it can be difficult to associate specific mailboxes with specific houses. In some cases, mailboxes for several houses may be grouped, making it hard to determine which address belongs to which house.

• The reflective sign should be positioned high enough that it’s not obscured by snow piles in the winter.

Placing the sign well back from the road and away from the driveway will also help assure its visibility in snowy conditions.

• Foliage adjacent to the sign should be kept trimmed so that the sign is easily visible from all directions.

• In some cases, landscape irrigation systems may spray on the reflective sign.

Where well water has a high iron content, the sign may become rust-stained, less reflective, and difficult to read, especially at night.

Having a properly located reflective address sign is invaluable to Fire, Police, and EMS first responders. Also, many Canadian Lakes homes are unoccupied for varying periods during the year, especially during the winter months. Our Safety Team and Mobile Watch volunteers, using the Winter Watch List and other means, pay particular attention to the status of these properties. Properly located reflective signs greatly aid in this watchfulness.

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CLPOC Board Minutes

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation Board of Directors Meeting September 24, 2023 @ 9:00 a.m.

Attendee’s Paul Szymkowicz John Colley James French Steve Wilcox Dan Altier Steve Brandt Shannon Hannon Jerry Juncker Dan Rice

Role

Present Zoom (Z) In Person (IP)

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director

IP IP IP IP X IP IP Z X

Absent

Others in attendance – Greg Babbitt – General Manager, Kim Dowell – Comptroller, and Lindsay Halcomb – Marketing.

AGENDA TOPIC’S AND DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Meeting called to order

by President Szymkowicz @ 9:00 AM and Pledge conducted.

2. Agenda Approval – Motion Director Hannon Second by Treasurer French.

Passed unanimously 3. Austin and Morton Township Reports – Nothing from Austin Township, Supervisor Klum was in person provided state of various activities in projects for Morton Township.

4. Presidents Report – President Szymkowicz updated community activities.

5. Financial Report – Controller Dowell, information provide in packet COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. ACC Committee – Secretary Wilcox provided an update on current projects 2. CLA – Secretary Wilcox read the report from Dan Rice 3. Executive Committee – President Szymkowicz provide update on a varuet of issues indicating there

4.

5.

would be an Executive session to discuss legal updates.

Finance Committee – Treasurer French provided updates on current financial status.

Strategic Planning Committee – Vice President Colley provided an update on current SP initiatives.

GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT – a. Information in packet b. Information in packet c. Director Brandt provided update on the Northstar Project d. Various project updates e. White Pines beach E.coli concerns, end of season items 1. Consent Calendar – Motion by Secretary Wilcox, Second Director Hannon for; Approval of the Notes of the August 10, 2022 Workshop Meeting & Minutes of the August 27, 2022 Board Meeting and to Receive & File the August 2022 Check Disbursements 2. Member Comments on action or discussion items – No Comments 3. Items for Board Action – MOTION TO APPOINT BOARD SECRETARY STEVE WILCOX AS HEAD ELECTION

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

INSPECTOR AND APPOINT THE FOLLOWING AT LARGE ELECTION INSPECTORS, BARB COLLINGE, JUDY GENOTTI, DEB MACADDINO, GLORIA ROGERS, MILLIE SPINNEY, LYNN TRACY, TIM COLLINGE, JIM HEINRICH, JOHN NAPIEWOCKI, DAVE SANDERSON, RON SPINNEY, AND PETE ZEIMIS. Motion Treasurer French, Second Director Hannon Approved Unanimously Items for board discussion – AN ITEM TO DISCUSS THE ROAD MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS WITH CANADIAN LAKES EXCAVATING COMPANY. Discussion among various Directors Member Comments – Mark Klump CL 593 Director Comments – Comments from Vice President Colley, Treasurer French, and President Szymkowicz Member communications – None Moved to executive session – Adjourned at !0:00 to Executive session

Respectively submitted by Steve Wilcox, Board Secretary.

(Minutes are printed as submitted.)

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 49

CLPOC Board Minutes

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation Board of Directors Meeting Meeting October 21, 2023 @ 9:00 a.m.

Attendee’s Role Present

Zoom (Z) In Person (IP) Paul Szymkowicz John Colley James French Steve Wilcox Dan Altier Steve Brandt Shannon Hannon Jerry Juncker Dan Rice

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director

Absent

IP Z IP IP IP IP Z Z Z

Others in attendance – Greg Babbitt - General Manager, Kim Dowell – Comptroller AGENDA TOPIC’S AND DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Meeting called to order

by President Szymkowicz @ 9:00 AM and Pledge conducted.

2. Agenda Approval – Motion Director Altier, Support Treasurer French Unanimously approved.

3. Austin and Morton Township

Reports – No Reports Presidents Report – Presidents Szymkowicz welcomed those in person and on line, provided an election update, commented on amenities.

5. Financial Report – Controller Dowell provided a status update as contained in the informational packet.

COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. ACC Committee – No meeting held 4.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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CLPOC Board Minutes GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT a. Information in packet b. Information in packet/Bill gave an in-person update c. Update on progress of projects d. BAG last meeting next week, Lakes last meeting next week, Golf done for the season, Marketing met update on issues, Compliance meeting next week, Restaurant met update on issues/events 1. Consent Calendar – Approval of minutes of the September 24, 2022 Board Meeting. Receive and file September 2022 check disbursements.

Motion Secretary Wilcox, Support Director Rice Unanimously approved.

2. Member Comments on action or discussion items – None 3. Items for Board Action – Motion to approve the summer general and winter Road Maintenance Contracts Motion Treasurer French Support Director Altier Unanimously approved 4. Items for board discussion – 12A AN ITEM TO DISCUSS THE ANNUAL AUDIT OF THE CORPORATION’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY DOROTHY L. HOWARD, CPA, PLLC, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2022 Member Comments – Comment by Director Rice 5. 12B Motion to suspend the rules to take action Treasurer French Support Director Hannon. Unanimously approved. MOTION TO APPROVE THE DRAWDOWN OF THE REPLACEMENT RESERVE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $21 ,275 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SAFETY VEHICLE. Motion Treasurer French Support Director Altier Unanimously approved.

6. Member Comments – Ken Swathwood RS 210 7. Director Comments – Comments

by Director Hannon, Director Rice, Director Brandt, Treasurer French, President Szymkowicz 8. Member Communication Requirements – Election Update 9. Adjourn – Motion to adjourn to Executive Session Treasurer French Support Director Altier 9:52 am Respectively submitted by Steve Wilcox, Board Secretary.

(Minutes are printed as submitted.)

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CALENDAR EVENTS of AREA

December

January

February

DECEMBER 1 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

JANUARY 2-3 Grand Rapids Gold 2

FEBRUARY 1-4 Disney On Ice 2

DECEMBER 1-2 GR Symphony Presents Elf in Concert 5

JANUARY 5 Grand Rapids Gold 2

DECEMBER 2-3 Grand Rapids Gold 2

JANUARY 5 GR Symphony Presents The Godfather in Concert 5

FEBRUARY 7-8 Grand Rapids Gold 2

DECEMBER 5 Lindsey Stirling 2

JANUARY 6 MANIA The ABBA Tribute 5

DECEMBER 6 Jazz Band Holiday Concert 1

JANUARY 7 Grand Rapids Gold 2

FEBRUARY 10 GR Symphony Presents Symphony with Soul: Leela James 5

DECEMBER 7-8 Christmas Decorating Contest 7

JANUARY 10 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

FEBRUARY 11 Grand Rapids Gold 2

DECEMBER 8 Grand Rapids Gold 2

JANUARY 12-13 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

FEBRUARY 13 Grand Rapids Symphony Performance 1

JANUARY 12-13 GR Symphony Presents: The Artistry of Vadim Gluzman 5

FEBRUARY 13 Dancing With the Stars 5

DECEMBER 3 Christmas Concert 7

DECEMBER 8-10 GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker 5 DECEMBER 10 Grand Rapids Gold 2 DECEMBER 10 Kenny G 6 DECEMBER 13 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 DECEMBER 15 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 DECEMBER 15-17 GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker 5 DECEMBER 19 Mannheim Steamroller 5 DECEMBER 21-23 GR Symphony Presents University of Michigan Health-West Holiday Pops 5 DECEMBER 26 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2 DECEMBER 28-29 Great Lakes Invitational 2 DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Party 7 DECEMBER 31 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

FEBRUARY 2-3 GR Symphony Presents: All-American Masters 5

FEBRUARY 10 CLA Winter Carnival 7

FEBRUARY 12 Grand Rapids Rise 2

JANUARY 14-15 Grand Rapids Gold 2

FEBRUARY 14 Grand Rapids Gold 2 FEBRUARY 16 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

JANUARY 16-21 Broadway GR Presents Disney’s Aladdin 5 JANUARY 19-20 PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour 2 JANUARY 19 Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin JANUARY 22 Disturbed

FEBRUARY 9-10 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

FEBRUARY 16-17 GR Symphony Presents Black Panther in Concert 5 FEBRUARY 18 Grand Rapids Rise 2 FEBRUARY 20 Pantera 2 FEBRUARY 21 Grand Rapids Griffins 2

2

FEBRUARY 22 Sam Hunt 2 JANUARY 24 FEBRUARY 23 Elevation Nights 2 Grand Rapids Griffi ns 2 INFORMATION IS FROM THE JANUARY 25 FOLLOWING WEBSITES: FEBRUARY 23-25 GR Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty 5 Grand Rapids Rise 2

1. Ferris State University — www.ferris.edu/arts

24-25 JANUARY 26-27 2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids FEBRUARY — vanandelarena.com; Grand Rapids Griffins 2 2 Grand Rapids Griffins616-742-6600 FEBRUARY 27 Bryan Adams 2 3. Central Michigan University — cmich.edu/Calendar JANUARY 28 2 4. Big Rapids area — cityofbr.org, Community Harlem Globetrotters FEBRUARYCalendar; 28 231-796-7640 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 5 JANUARY 28 Ali Siddiq

5. DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids — devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500 6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant — soaringeaglecasino.com; 888-732-4537 INFORMATION IS FROM THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES 7. Canadian Lakes Association — canadianlakesassociation.org 1. Ferris State University: www.ferris.edu/arts 6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant: soaringeaglecasino.com; 8. Art Works, Big Rapids-www.artworksinbigrapids.org 2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids: vanandelarena.com 888-732-4537

3. Central Michigan University: cmich.edu/Calendar 7. Canadian Lakes Association: canadianlakesassociation.org 4. Big Rapids area: cityofbr.org, Community Calendar; 231-796+7640 8. Art Works, Big Rapids: www.artworksingbigrapids.org 525. DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids: T h e C a n a d i a n L a ke r devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 53

LET’S GET

SOCIAL

CANADIAN LAKES

Looking for something to do? Check out the social opportunities happening in Canadian Lakes below, based on the day of the week!

Monday MELODY MAKERS (LADIES) 2:30 pm-4:30 pm April-July/September-December Highland Haus Millie Gillies: 231-796-2460 Cell: 231-598-0872 milliegillies91@gmail.com DOTTED CUBES (BUNKO) 1 pm • 2nd Monday Alpine Haus 586-549-7705 CANADIAN LAKES MEN’S CHORUS 3:30-5 pm • April-December Highland Haus 231-359-1114 EUCHRE CLUB 6:30 pm Alpine Haus 231-972-7920 CAMERA CLUB 6:30 pm • Every other Monday Highland Haus 916-258-5619 MEN'S 18-HOLE GOLF LEAGUE 8 am • May-September The Royal Golf Course 989-513-9561 SILVER SPOKES 9 a.m. • April - October David Skaja: 847-367-0534 davidskaja@gmail.com MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE 9 am to 10 am Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com

Tuesday

DROP-IN MIXED TENNIS 9-11 am • Seasonal Alpine Haus Courts 231-408-8801 MEN’S TUESDAY 9-HOLE LEAGUE 8 am • May-September The Highlands or The Pines 248-231-2990 or timhannon@comcast.net WOMEN'S 18-HOLE GOLF LEAGUE 8:30 am The Royal Golf Course 231-250-1257

Wednesday QUILT CLUB 10 am-4 pm • 3rd Wednesday Highland Haus 616-581-6734 MAH JONGG 11:30 am • April-October Alpine Haus 231-972-3054 MIXED BOWLING 12:30 pm • September-May Remus Lanes 231-972-0700 CANADIAN LAKES PLAYERS 4:30 pm • 1st Wednesday Highland Haus Elaine Cox: 231-972-4257 mizzelaine@msn.com CANADIAN LAKES FISHING CLUB 7 pm • 2nd Wednesday • April-October Alpine Haus 231-972-8663 TREASURE SEEKERS Variable • 4th Wednesday Destinations Vary 616-443-9207

POOL CUE LEAGUE 1 pm • October-December/January-March Member homes 231-972-7327

FISHING FUN NIGHT Variable • 4th Wednesday • May-September Main Beach TBA

EXERCISE/DANCE CLASS 2-3 pm Alpine Haus 231-972-0029

GREAT IDEAS 2 pm • 2nd & 4th Wednesday Highland Haus 810-919-1765 or ppwig@aol.com

54 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE 9 am to 10 am Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com

Thursday MEN’S CHRISTIAN BOOK STUDY 7:30 am • June-August Royal Grille 231-972-5132 EXERCISE/DANCE CLASS 10-11 am Alpine Haus 231-972-0029 LADIES 9-HOLE GOLF LEAGUE JoEllen Tunacik: 219-309-5059 jtunacik@comcast.net NEEDLE & NEWS 1 pm • 1st & 3rd Thursday Alpine Haus Hazel Scheiderer: 231-598-2203 dendwi@charter.net SILVER SPOKES 9 a.m. • April - October David Skaja: 847-367-0534 davidskaja@gmail.com MARSP 11 a.m. • 3rd Thursday of May - July - September Alpine Haus Chris Wernette: 231-972-7336 chrisandsandy@yahoo.com CANADIAN LAKES YACHT CLUB 1-3 pm • April - October Lake Laura Barb Szymkowicz: 989-330-6804 barbathome1@juno.com MEN’S 9 HOLE DROP IN SCRAMBLE 9 am Check in • May & September 8 am Check in • June, July, August The Royal Golf Course Roger Barr 248-675-7971

Friday DROP-IN MIXED TENNIS 9-11 am Royal Courts 231-408-8801 MAH JONGG 11:30 am • Apr-October Alpine Haus 231-972-3054 WRITERS QUEST 3:00 pm • 1st Friday Alpine Haus 734-223-7841 MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE 9 am to 10 am Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com

Saturday MONTHLY EUCHRE SOCIAL CLUB 1:00 pm • 2nd Saturday (Sept. thru April) except for November. rbielby3@gmail.com 231-823-4302 CANADIAN LAKES YACHT CLUB 1-3 pm • April - October Lake Laura Barb Szymkowicz: 989-330-6804 barbathome1@juno.com

Get your social gathering listed here!

You must be a CLA Sanctioned Club and you must meet regularly.

Simply send an email to thecanadianlaker@gmail.com for more details. If your group info is incorrect, please update us by also sending an email to thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.

CANADIANLAKES.ORG | 55

Seamus on Witches Lake | acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas 14” x 18” x 1.5” Artist: James Nelson Carroll Email: jim@petimpressionist.com Phone: 630-677-9773

56 | THE CANADIAN LAKER

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We hope you enjoy Century 21 White House Realty’s Nights of Lights throughout this holiday season!

The light show schedule goes as follows: Music and light shows begin each Friday and Saturday night with show times at: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 starting on November 17th through January 6th.