The Canadian Laker - 2024 April/May

Assisted Living

Ser vices 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 Rlmgmt.com

APRIL/MAY 2024

Happy Spring Canadian Lakers! What a weird and unusual winter we had this year. I’m not complaining about only shoveling a few times this winter, I am sure my back appreciates that part, but it does make you question the weather patterns a little.

What does spring have in store for Canadian Lakes? You can bet we will have our Annual Community-Wide Garage Sale over Memorial weekend, the CLA will host Kite Day, and many other fun events will lead us right into the summer.

In this issue of The Canadian Laker, you will find the usual articles from our General Manager and Board President, exciting golf news from our Golf Pro, safety information from our Safety Director, and much more. Don’t forget to dive into some book reviews while reading Joyce’s Choices and uncover an Outdoor Mystery with Chris Zimmerman. Lastly, you might want to get your calendar out after reading all about the special clubs and groups the Canadian Lakes Association (CLA) has to offer. Spring is a perfect time for renewal and the perfect time to try something new, or even something forgotten.

I hope this issue was delivered to you on a beautiful spring day and you can enjoy reading our news and stories outside in this wonderful community we live in. We welcome many of you back from southern states and say hello to friends who can finally enjoy some nice weather outdoors.

Enjoy this issue of The Canadian Laker, have a wonderful spring, and please keep up to date through our Member Bulletins and our official FB page, www.facebook.com/canadianlakes. With winter behind us, you will want to stay informed on all the activities going on here in Canadian Lakes. We live in a great community and I hope each of you are living the GOOD life.

Photography by Chuck Richardson

SOLD

For all your REAL ESTATE NEEDS, Call Tom Garner Associate Broker 231-629-6006

tgarner.c21@gmail.com

TESTIMONIAL FROM A SATISFIED CLIENT

I just wanted to let you know how great it has been working with you! You’re a true professional in every sense of the word! I know it wasn’t easy with 4 sellers on the same property however you made it simple and easy. Thank you also for always keeping us updated with important info. I have been a real estate broker in Florida and had my own businesses (3) for many years but now retired for over ten years. Your handling of this transaction has been exemplary! — THANKS AGAIN, BETTY

$269,900 10 Acres with ranch house and pole barn. Walk out lower level.

$44,900 Far West Canadian Lakes waterfront building site. Great Price.

$245,000 Canadian Lakes Ranch home. Fenced back yard and 4 stall garage. Across St from St land.

$350,000 80 Acres of recreational fun. Woods Water and open areas. Exceptional building locations and tons of wildlife. 17 minutes from Canadian lakes.

$369,900 Canadian lakes NEW barrier free home. Custom construction and on the golf course.

$140,000 Wooded building side approx. 5 minutes from CL. Great place for a pole barn!

$274,000 Highlands golf front ranch home with finished walk out. Full CL amenities.

$29,900 Lake Laura waterfront building site. Paved Rd. Nat Gas.

$3,900 CL wooded building site near boat launch, pools, golf and beach’s.

$19,900 ST Ives Golf Front building site. Elevated and out of strike zone from golf balls!a

SOLD SOLD

$520,000

160 Acres of recreational property new Big Rapids. Paved Rd Frontage.

$154,900 20 Acres with adorable house. Fully furniture// turn key. Great outdoor fun.

$149,900 Big Rapids affordable housing. 3 beds 2 baths. Cheaper than paying rent!

$933,334

Incredible property with 38 acres and over 1000’ of waterfront on Lake of the Hills.

$415,000 Little Muskegon Riverfront home. Incredible views from the new deck. Great layout and open great room. COMING

New Custom Barrier Free ranch home. Call for details.

Photography

In this issue

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

twitter.com/canadian_lakes

facebook.com/campcanadianlakes

facebook.com/canadianlakes

facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes

facebook.com/royalgrille

facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes

facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes

facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes

canadianlakes_mi

While Krapohl gets your RV ready for the road

Krapohl Body Shop — your local source for expert RV body repair

• Two dedicated RV work bays and a 58-foot paint booth.

• Need an estimate? Stop in to see us or call and we’ll come to you.

• We repair all makes and models of cars, trucks, SUVs and RVs

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 1 p.m.

MEMBER SERVICES

Tara Schweitzer

Kathy Graham memberservices@clpoc.org

As I write this on March 4th, I do not know about all of you, but I have had Spring Fever for a while now with all the mild temperatures we have been having. The calendar says spring officially begins March 19th, and hopefully, by the time you are reading this, spring will have begun and no more winter surprises. I know there are various sayings about early spring weather and paying for it later, but I am hoping that Mother Nature will be kind to us.

Spring is the time of year to start thinking about another season of the many amenity opportunities. Our golf courses will see players soon, boats will be launching, the Campground will be opening, the Pool & Fitness Center will be well used, the tennis and pickleball courts will be active, and the Royal Grille will be bustling. I appreciate your patronage at these amenities and enjoy seeing them all being well used.

ADVANCE NOTICE

I have two items I want to make you aware of early. First is the Canadian Lakes Annual Community-Wide Garage Sale. This everpopular event will occur again during Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th. Please see the details of this event on page 13.

Secondly, I wanted to give you advance notice regarding the 4th of July fireworks this year. The fireworks this year will be occurring on Saturday July 6th. This will also be the date for the Community Parade that is such a big hit for kids of all ages.

MAINTENANCE

As usual, early spring will consist of pothole repairs, clean-up of golf courses and common areas, asphalt road sweeping, repairing turfed areas from the snowplow, tree and brush clearing, etc. I ask that you please be patient with the staff as it will take time to complete all these maintenance items.

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

• In efforts to use technology to our benefit to improve operations, I wanted to inform you that we have recently installed electronic access at the Highland and

Alpine Haus. The Highland Haus meeting room is now separated from the Pro Shop area with a locking door to accommodate separate entrances between these areas.

The Alpine Haus has two entry points, one for the lower level and one for the upper level. This is the same system we installed at the Castle last year which has worked very well. This system gives staff better control over the buildings, to better accommodate cleaning, routine maintenance, operational needs, etc.

• We will be purchasing a beach sand sifting machine that maintenance will be using periodically to clean various beaches. This machine is designed to remove stones, manufactured debris like bottle caps, plastics, and cigarette butts/filters with its intensive sifting, vibrating action of the screens. The process performed by the screening system creates minimal sand compaction on the area during the sifting grooming, leaving clean sands.

FINANCE

Fiscal Year 2024 is currently expected to have a positive year-end balance based on projected budget numbers. We will officially close this fiscal year March 31st. The new Fiscal Year 2025 will start April 1st and the Board will have approved the budget for this fiscal year at their March meeting. This fiscally sound budget will be our guideline in which to manage the community. This budget also has projected amenity income of $6,639,930 and an expense level of $5,626,996, that hopefully we will meet. There will also be a number of Replacement Reserve projects we intend to complete as well as some Capital Improvement projects.

IN CLOSING

Every April is National Volunteer Month, and it is always so impressive to me when so many of you are able and willing to give your time and talents to this great community. So, a huge recognition and thank you for being one of our community’s volunteers.

As the “busy season” starts to ramp up, I want to remind each of you to please be safe and courteous to others and enjoy another great season here in Canadian Lakes experiencing the GOOD life!

From the Board

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

Where has the time gone? It is hard for me to believe that I have started my eighth year as a CLPOC Director. It seems like not so long ago; I was told that if I did not agree with how things were done in Canadian Lakes that I should run for the Board of Directors and try to change things. Become part of the solution, not part of the problem. In the fall of 2016, I decided to run for the Board and was successful.

During my first two years I concentrated on learning as many of the internal functions of our community as I possibly could by serving on any committee that had available space. In 2019, I was elected to the office of Vice-President which I held until mid-2020 when I accepted the office of CLPOC President. There are two other

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org

OFFICERS

President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com

Vice President Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com

Directors that have served on the Board of Directors for over nine years. Vice President Steve Wilcox and Treasurer Jim French. Between the three of us we have served Canadian Lakes and our community for over twenty-five years.

There have been many changes during the last nine years. We are currently in the last year of our very successful 5-year funding plan. Last fall, the membership approved another 5-year plan based on the current plan. Our Articles of Incorporation have been restated. Our By-Laws and Rules have also been updated. The Corporation acquired the rights to the name “Canadian Lakes.” There are so many great things happening in our community, it is hard to list them all. One thing is certain, most of them would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the past and current members of the Board of Directors, staff, employees, and the countless number of volunteers that help make Canadian Lakes “the GOOD life.”

This certainly was a strange winter here in Canadian Lakes. It is not often that we see members on our golf course in February, but with the recent fifty-degree days we have had, who can blame them.

I would like to thank all our employees and our membership for their support of our restaurant during the off season. I have patroned the Royal Grille several times and from the crowds that I have seen, it is hard to believe it is the off season. Keep up the good work.

We have added a new feature for the membership to communicate with the Board. It is called “ASK THE BOARD.” How does this work?

Throughout the month, members can email their questions to the Board

Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com

Secretary Steve Brandt abrandtcl@gmail.com

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE

Dan Rice dozerrice1960@gmail.com

to asktheboard.clpoc@gmail.com. The questions will be read during the Ask the Board portion of the workshop and an answer will be given. The cutoff time for submitting questions is the Monday before the Wednesday Board Workshop. More information and reminders will be available in our Member Bulletin and on our members website. We received several questions for the February workshop. Interestingly enough, most of the questions that were asked were operational questions.

I have received a few emails saying that we are not following Robert’s Rules of Order during our monthly Board Meetings, specifically in the members comments section of the agenda. Let me assure you that we are following Roberts Rules of Order. When Roberts states that all members have the right to ask questions, it is referring to the members of the Board of Directors that were voted into office by the membership, not the membership itself. The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors is a business meeting, not a membership meeting. The Board is very interested in hearing your comments. Please try to remember that the Board Meeting is for comments only and that questions and comments are allowed (welcomed and encouraged) at the Board Workshops and via email. Communication is the key to any successful organization so please join us in these open dialogue opportunities.

I would like to wish everyone a great summer season!

Linda Ricketts linda.clpoc@gmail.com

Shannon Hannon shannon.clpoc@gmail.com

Matt Stifter matt.clpoc@gmail.com

Dan Tunacik dtunacik@comcast.net

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

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

• 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.

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:

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

• Outstanding recreational and social activities

• Financial soundness and sustainability

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

We are a lavender farm in Caledonia, Michigan, with store and bakery that people can visit.

Open year round, but through harvest which begins mid June.

XANDER BUNNIES

Xander Community 501c3

(A ticketed event) WWW.LAVENDER-LIFE.COM

Meet Xander the SUPER-SOFT, LAVENDER STUFFED BUNNY, (Buy one and we give one to a child in foster care!)

17th Annual Community-Wide

GThe 17th Annual Canadian Lakes Community-Wide Garage Sale is expected to take place on Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Members wanting to participate must register at the CLPOC Office beginning Friday, May 3th and no later than Saturday, May 18th for your location to be placed on the map being provided to potential shoppers.

The CLPOC will be advertising outside Canadian Lakes so persons from Mecosta County will be aware of the event. Maps showing the locations participating in the garage sale will be available at the CLPOC Office, beginning Tuesday, May 21st, in the afternoon.

Our community sign policy remains in effect. If you want signs for your garage sale, you can pick up a set at the CLPOC Office for a deposit of $20. These are the only “official” garage sale sign(s), limit 2 signs per sale, at the CLPOC Office (no other type of signs will be permitted). Upon returning the official sign(s), in the same condition as they were received, to the CLPOC Office no later than Monday, June 4th, you will be refunded $10 of your deposit. Again, this year, Canadian Lakes Property Owners are encouraged to combine sale sites with two or three households, if permitted and possible. This tends to congregate more buyers, reduce neighborhood traffic, and makes marketing of one’s treasures a little easier. It is also a great way to socialize and get better acquainted with your neighbors.

Marketing

Northstar, Mobile App, & Website Updates

We are currently working with Northstar (NS) to enable our payment option to accept payments for future golf events and Royal Grille special events. If you have ever dabbled in software upgrades or swapping out entire software systems for a brand new one, you will know it takes a bit of time to complete this process. The payment part of this process is now complete and we will be able to accept your payments online for the 2024 golf season and all the upcoming Royal Grille special events.

Does everyone remember the ~one million bulletins I sent on our Mobile App last year? Was I able to help you to login and make tee times using our Mobile App? My guess is that about half of you reading this now can answer yes to those questions. I remember quite well as I was the main hotline for any mobile app questions.

Currently, our Mobile App serves two purposes. One is to check the status of your account, make payments, and change your profile information. Quick note on changing your profile information: When you make a change, it will not be a visible change until we approve the change through NS. The changes each member makes to their profile come through our software as a pending change until we approve it, as the front desk needs to be aware of

all your changes to addresses, phone numbers, etc.

The second purpose of our Mobile App is the ability to make electronic tee times; this was actually the main push for the Mobile App all together. Electronic tee times was the number one function we heard was needed for our golf community and it has been well-received.

Even with all the above said, our Mobile App is capable of doing more than we currently use it for. My department will be testing a lot of the app properties, deciding what other functions we should implement, and if there are any we could do without. Look for changes and notifications from our Mobile App. Another quick note on our Mobile App: Each member has login capabilities. Last year I ran into countless married couples who did not know they each had their own logins for the website and Mobile App. If your name does not populate when you login, then you are using the wrong login. Contact me via email to get your login information. All Mobile App and website questions should come to me by email at lhalcomb@clpoc.org. Email will be the best way for me to assist you, and if a call is needed, I will reach out by phone and help you with any issues you may have.

I would like to thank the incredible number of supportive members that have been so very helpful to me. I often have members email or stop by the office to get help with logins and most leave happy

Assistant Webmaster

Lee Ann McCormick canadianlakes.org

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

twitter.com/canadian_lakes

Instagram: canadianlakes_mi

facebook.com/campcanadianlakes

facebook.com/canadianlakes

facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes

facebook.com/royalgrille

facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes

facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes

facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes

Lindsay Halcomb Marketing Director lhalcomb@clpoc.org

because the problem was easily remedied... then they tell their friends and neighbors and sometimes they can help assist them with their issues. Therefore, my message reaches more people, and especially the people who do not receive the Member Bulletin. I appreciate the support and the help in getting all of our members connected, so I just wanted to thank our helpful members, you folks are the best!

Our Members Website is updated 24/7. I spend a lot of time adding to our website and most of it is not scheduled. It is done on an as needed basis, and we have a lot of needs.

A few bullet points about the 2024 website updates are below:

• All 2024 documents have been posted to our website.

• All requested financial documents have been posted to the website.

• All Board Meetings and chat are posted to the website for live viewing; later the videos are moved under the Governing tab where they can be viewed at any time.

• All Board Meeting minutes are posted to the website when received from the Board Secretary.

• All 2024 General Manager & Board Committees’ members and information have been posted to our website.

• Campground, Pool, & Winter Sports Park information and pricing have been updated and posted to the website.

• All golf events, schedules, and fees have been updated and posted to the website. Our 2024 Golf Guides finished printing in March. The digital copy will be available on the website no later than April 1st.

EMAIL CLEANUP

The Marketing Department is undergoing an email purge for the Canadian Lakes News and the Member Bulletin campaigns. This may not mean much to you, but it is something that is necessary. All the email addresses that have been added to the platform have been run through IT software that

separates the valid emails from the invalid ones. We will be deleting all the invalid emails from our campaigns for safety and ratings.

COMMUNICATIONS

Always expect the Member Bulletins to keep you informed. The Member Bulletin is sent out by the Marketing Department and the content comes straight from the source. The General Manager, the Board, and each Department all have sections to report updates, closures, exciting events, and more to keep our members informed. It’s the fastest and most accurate information sent out regarding Canadian Lakes. These bulletins are available to Every Single Canadian Lakes Member as long as they sign up for it. Ask about signing up the next time you stop in the office or send me an email directly, lhalcomb@clpoc.org.

CANADIAN LAKES

ASSOCIATION

fellow Canadian Lakers!

Spring has sprung in Canadian Lakes, and high season is just around the corner. I hope you have all recharged your batteries after your long winter slumber. Really, all but for two weeks, it was my kind of winter. Not too cold and not too snowy. I always pull for cold and snowy weather around the second weekend of February which is when we have our CLA Winter Carnival. And then it’s nice to have the Tube Tow running, the ice-skating rink open, and our ice fishing contest. That’s when it truly feels like a Winter Carnival. Unfortunately, we don’t control Mother Nature. But even without Mother Nature’s help we were still able to bring joy to nearly 400 of our Canadian Lakes friends and neighbors. It was a great day! By the time you get this publication of The Canadian Laker the Easter Bunny will have just hopped through Canadian Lakes on Saturday, March 30th, which was our CLA Easter Egg Hunt. This is always a big day for our kids in Canadian Lakes, and even a few seniors. Hopefully, my letter has been entertaining enough for you to still be reading, because now is the part where I’m going to try and convince you to COME JOIN THE FUN by becoming a CLA Member. Contrary to what a lot of people think, you are not a CLA member just because you pay your CLPOC annual dues. The CLA and the CLPOC are two entirely different organizations providing separate purposes for Canadian Lakes. The CLPOC provides management and maintenance of all facilities and handles all business affairs and enforces all rules and regulations. The CLA is the social wing of our community and we promote friendship and goodwill, sponsoring social events and activities, free to our members and provide a monthly newsletter, the Lite Lines, to keep CLA members informed of all upcoming events pertaining to Canadian Lakes. We also provide a very helpful Directory and Buyers Guide and offer over 40 Sanctioned Clubs that range from Arts, Exercise, Sports, Discussion groups and a wide range of Special Interest groups. All of these Clubs are available for your enjoyment. Just stop and think what this

Photography submitted by Harold Wolf

Photography submitted by Harold Wolf

you are not already a CLA member, please consider joining today. You can visit our CLA website at canadianlakesassociation.org to get a membership form. We also have forms in the CLPOC Main Office, or you can call or text me at 269-209-9871 or email me at haroldwolf63@gmail.com and I will personally get you a form. It’s your support that allow us to continue to provide all the fun, educational and entertaining events throughout the year that makes living in Canadian Lakes “The Good Life.” I am very excited for another high season in Canadian Lakes and I look forward to seeing you at all of our CLA Events this year.

Harold Wolf

CLA President

269-209-9871

haroldwolf63@gmail.com

Photography submitted by Harold Wolf

Photography submitted by Harold Wolf

Photography submitted by Harold Wolf

CANADIAN LAKES ASSOCIATION

Clubs & Groups

ASPIRING ARTISTS

BY CORA FOLEY

THE ASPIRING ARTISTS are a group of talented individuals in the Canadian Lakes community who meet once a week for an afternoon of drawing and painting subjects of their choice. The club has been meeting since January 2024 at the Highland Haus every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm to as late as 5:00 pm if desired. All skill levels are welcome, from beginning artists to some very experienced, and the really nice thing about this relaxed, creative gathering is the amount of encouragement, new ideas, tips, and techniques that are shared. In our busy (retired?) lives, having this time set aside each week to focus on creating art is a welcome retreat; a place to have fun and relax while doing something very satisfying.

The artists work in a variety of mediums, from pencils and pastels to watercolors or gouache, to oil paints.

Club members bring their own tools and materials, and the relaxing mood is enhanced by soft spa music playing in the background.

The members produce some very interesting and appealing art, for example, there is Tom Carravallah, a

portrait artist. Tom retired from the Wayne County Sherriff ’s Department where in addition to going on patrols, he served as the department’s sketch artist. Tom works strictly using pencils and is incredibly good at accurately portraying the unique personality seen in the photos of people he has drawn.

Then there is Kay Wejrowski who likes to use colored pencils. Kay has recently finished and had published a book on counting from 1 to 10 for her 2-year-old granddaughter. The book features beautifully drawn flowers. Her next book that she is illustrating for her granddaughter is a book on the alphabet featuring all fruits and vegetables. Other club members specialize in watercolor or ink pen renderings of flowers, buildings, or landscapes.

There are at this time 24 members in the Aspiring Artists club, almost half of whom have not yet returned from wintering in warmer climates. If you are an aspiring artist and wish to join, contact Cora Foley at TealPaca@icloud.com.

Aspiring Artists at work.

Photo by Cora Foley

Mary Brecht is a watercolor artist who most recently has been creating beautiful note cards using her original paintings.

Photo by Cora Foley

Tom Carravallah with a drawing of his dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Photo by Cora Foley

Kay Wejrowski with the counting book she created using her own illustrations for her granddaughter.

Photo by Cora Foley

CANADIAN LAKES SINGLES

BEV VANDERWAL

THE NEWEST Canadian Lakes sanctioned club is the CL Singles. The group and events are open to all single adults who are CLPOC members or their guests. Our goal is to meet at least once per month for a variety of activities at different locations. We welcome your input regarding activities we should consider.

Some of the activities we have identified include:

• An evening of board games and snacks at the Highland Haus.

• A trip to Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.

• 5K walk around Lake Laura.

• Wagon ride at Outback Ranch along with a western dinner.

• Kayaking or canoeing on Lake Laura or Main Lake.

• Pontoon boat party on Main Lake.

• Summer concert night at Reuther Pavilion.

CL CRUISERS CAR CLUB

SUBMITTED BY MARSHALL HENRY

THE CRUISERS are getting ready for the 20th Annual Cruisin’ at the Castle Car Show! Our club is made up of property owners who own classic or special vehicles or did own them at one time. You do not have to own a special car to be a member. We have dinner and ice cream cruises throughout the year, and attend various car shows as

participants or spectators.

Over the years we have raised over $20,000 for charity. Last fall, we donated $1,800 to Our Brothers Keeper (a homeless shelter) in Mecosta County.

If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please contact, Marshall Henry at 231-598-0838 or marshall. henry396@gmail.com.

• Movie night at the Highland Haus.

• Halloween party at the Castle.

• Museum visit and lunch in Grand Rapids.

• Bicycle ride.

• Lunch or dinner at local restaurants.

We have started an email communication list for club members. If you would like to be included on our email list, please contact us at clsingles2024@gmail.com

Also, please note that the CLA is hosting a “Single Mingle” party at the Highland Haus on Saturday, April 20 from 7-11 p.m. Music will be provided by The Copy Katz Band, and hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and various beverages will be provided. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10. We will have a table set up at the party to provide an opportunity for you to meet some of our club members and to sign up if you want to join our club.

For questions or additional information, please contact: Beverly VanderWal 562 714-7505 or Ann McFeggan 616 443-9207.

YOGA — BEYOU FIT CLUB

SUBMITTED BY KANDI WYSS

We work in a warm, stress-free, and non-competitive environment. We welcome everybody to join us as we work beside each other on the mat and discover new ways to get our bodies to move. We combine breathwork with movement to help you get the most out of your yoga practice. There are two instructors in our club. Kandi Wyss and Phil Timm. Our classes are offered at the Highland

Haus on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. We will be adding consistent Thursday evenings on March 7th, also at 6:30 p.m. Please, bring water, a mat or towel, and any additional props for your modification. Blocks, straps, blankets, and pillows are suggestions. We look forward to spending time with you unwinding and enhancing our abilities.

Namaste

Photo by Kandi Wyss

CANADIAN LAKES FLOWER POWER

SUBMITTED BY JUNANNE

KERN

What is Flower Power?

Flower Power was formed in 1996 by ladies who were members of the Canadian Lakes Garden Club. It is an allvolunteer group.

What does Flower Power do?

In May the volunteers prepare their gardens for planting. They choose their own design and varieties of flowers for their garden. They plant, fertilize, water, maintain (and try to keep the deer from eating everything that has been planted) and oversee their gardens until October when they are “put to bed” for the winter. All expenses are covered by Canadian Lakes. Is there a main person to oversee Flower Power?

Yes. Junanne Kern of Canadian

Lakes leads the organization and a team “captain” for each bed leads the volunteers for each garden.

How many gardens are there?

As of this time there are 17 gardens to be maintained throughout Canadian Lakes. Unfortunately, we have “lost” caretakers for three gardens this year as volunteers have grown older and are unable to care for their garden. Also, some volunteers have moved out of the area. These gardens are waiting for a happy green thumb to take over. NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY!

Do you have meetings?

In May we have an “ordering” meeting and discuss issues that may have come up the previous season. In October we

GREAT IDEAS DISCUSSION GROUP

SUBMITTED BY DAVE FISHER

ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO, another Canadian Laker and I shared our thoughts together. We both concluded that there were precious few places anywhere a person could discuss ideas openly and without the disrespect that has become so common in our culture today. So, we decided to form a group of thoughtful

have a celebratory “putting the gardens to bed for the winter” get together/ luncheon.

Who do I contact for more information?

You can reach Junanne at 989-545-9559 or at tandjskernwood@gmail.com.

people to share our thoughts and explore each other’s ideas and learn ideas that may be new to us. Thus, the Great Ideas Discussion Group, which meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Highland House, was formed. Come join us at our biweekly meetings where we discuss and argue such ideas as:

Who are we?

Why are we here?

Is there a God?

Which political ideas will serve us best?

Which religions or spirituality will deepen us?

What are our values as Americans?

In this group we talk about politics and religion, plus we talk about any other topic that poses a challenge or opportunity, and we do it respectfully. If you would like to discuss new ideas or try out some of your own, please come.

What: Great Ideas Discussion Group

When: Every second and fourth Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Where: Highland House

If you have any questions about this group, please call Dave Fisher at 810.919.1765.

THE MEN’S CHORUS AND THE MELODY MAKERS

SUBMITTED BY MIKE BURKE

THE CANADIAN LAKES CHOIRS, the Men’s Chorus, and the Melody Makers, are recruiting new members for our spring/summer session. We welcome all singers from Canadian Lakes and the surrounding communities. Anyone who likes to sing is welcome. We will help you fit into the best part for your voice. We will work with you as you learn the songs for our performances at the Castle. One for Memorial Day and another for our summer concert in July. The choirs are about camaraderie, music, and entertainment.

Practice is as much fun as performing. We start spring/summer practices on Monday, April 15th at the Alpine Haus. We practice once a week on Monday. The ladies of Melody Makers, practice from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The men practice from 4 to 6 p.m.

Come and join us anytime or email me, Mike Burke at mburke890@charter.net with any questions you may have. Hope to see you soon so you can make singing an enjoyable addition to your life!

MONTHY EUCHRE SOCIAL CLUB — FUN, FOOD AND CARDS

SUBMITTED BY ROBIN BIELBY

THE MONTHLY Euchre Social Club meets one Saturday a month from September through April at the Highland Haus. This is a fun group, you are not committed to playing each month, you sign up for the months you wish to play. You do not need a partner; we just need an even number of folks to seat 4 at a table. If we have new participants, we go over the rules and scoring before we begin to play. There is no monetary penalty if you get “euchred.”

The door opens at 12:30 PM and we begin to play at 1:00 PM. This is a preregister/pre-pay event. The exact dates we play are available in a handout when

Silver Spokes

SUBMITTED BY DAVE SKAJA

SILVER SPOKES is an organization to facilitate the desire of members to experience the joy of regular bicycle riding, for the pleasure of using the beautiful trails in Western Michigan, and to provide a forum for people who enjoy staying active outdoors year-round.

We schedule rides on Mondays and Thursdays from May through September (weather dependent). Our normal ride times are 10 a.m. May and September; 9 a.m. June, July, and August. In April and October, our ride days and start times will vary to take advantage of warmer afternoon temperatures.

We maintain a private Facebook Group page “Silver Spokes of

Mecosta County.” To join, you will have to answer two questions.

Indicate in one of the answers that you read about Silver Spokes in The Canadian Laker. Ride schedules and cancellations are posted on the Facebook Group page.

The group page is also meant to connect people in the community who like being outdoors and active no matter what season. Spur of the moment events, bike rides, local hikes, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing are regularly posted on the group page.

For further information or questions, contact Dave Skaja at davidskaja@gmail.com or Joe Lisuzzo at jlisuzzo@gmail.com.

you check in or by reading the CL News. There is a post with the information 3-4 weeks before the next tournament. The cost is $5 per person. We pay out money to the top 5 scores and then a raffle for other cash prizes for those who did not win the “big money!"

We supply coffee, tea, and water. You may bring your own beverages if you choose. We always have an incredible variety of snacks that are brought by

those who are attending. It is strictly voluntary and we thank those who bring them by happily consuming the goodies. Examples include veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, chips, and dip, hot or cold appetizers and sweets (very popular).

If you enjoy playing Euchre, meeting new people, making new friends, and eating delicious food, then please join us! For more information, you may contact me, Robin Bielby at 231-823-4302.

Remodel, new construction service and water softeners sales

Serving all of Canadian Lakes Water heaters | Bladder tanks | Pressure switchs

616-238-7333

oberlinplumbing@gmail.com

MONDAY MEN’S 18-HOLE LEAGUE

SUBMITTED BY LARRY KLEIN

THE MONDAY MEN’S 18-Hole League is a drop-in league with sign up the week before play. For example, if you want to play on May 6th, you must sign up at The Royal Pro Shop by Wednesday, May 3rd. At that time, The Royal Pro Shop staff will draw tee-times for the league. You can sign up as an individual, wherever there is an opening or as a two, three or foursome.

The day of play you check-in, pay for the games (low net, skins, and proximities) before your tee-time, and all games are flighted based on handicap. We are always looking for new members, so show up at the league meeting on April 29th at 8:30 a.m. to learn more about the league and to play in a scramble. Scramble teams will be picked by our Golf Pro, Dennis Wolf, based upon handicap. League play will begin on May 6th.

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PERSONAL (MARSP)

SUBMITTED BY CHRIS WERNETTE

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

MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION of School Personal works to protect and enhance pensions and health insurance benefits for ALL Michigan public school retirees. Locally, MARSP members work to acquire grants for area schools and students. All member voices are encouraged to make our association strong.

MARSP meets at 11 a.m. on the 3rd Thursday of May, July, and September at the Alpine Haus. If you have any questions related to our group or what we do, please contact Chris Wernette at 231.912.9030 or by email at chrisandsandy@yahoo.com.

Save The Date: June 7, 2024!

The Mecosta County/Big Rapids MARSP chapter is sponsoring a 9-hole, 4-person scramble at The Pines Golf Course. Come one, come all! A picnic lunch following play in the pavilion (across the street). More information at our May 16th meeting or you can call Kathy Harenda at 231-972-88366 or email Kathy at kathcon2@gmail.com.

Life on Our Links

PGA Golf Pro

231-972-8979

dwolfe@clpoc.org

If you have questions about golfing in Canadian Lakes, call Dennis Wolfe at The Royal Pro Shop.

WOMEN’S GOLF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN CANADIAN LAKES

LPGA Professional Carolyn Allingham has a wonderful program to get you started or reacquaint you to the game of golf. This program will kick off in May with a discovery meeting. No charge, no commitment, just a chance to meet Carolyn and your peers to get a full overview of the program. We follow-up the discovery meeting with a chance to enroll in some instructional clinics. Once the clinics are complete, Carolyn will meet with ladies each Wednesday at The Pines or The Highlands for onsite orientation and fun on the course.

We have wonderful golf courses and your access is inclusive with your general membership fees (golf cart use extra). Contact The Royal Golf Shop to register or for more details email Carolyn at allyandholley@yahoo.com.

DERBY DASH SCRAMBLE @ THE ROYAL

Celebrate “Derby Day” on the golf course! Saturday, May 4th The Royal will

host the Derby Dash Scramble. This is an 18-hole 5-player scramble with a few tricks. Your team can be men, women or mixed. Your guests are welcome to play and no handicaps are required. Each player will be limited to 5 clubs (including the putter if you choose). There will be no club sharing between teammates. There will be a 2 Tee Shot minimum for all players on your team. Men will play the Combo/Hybrid Tees and the Ladies will play Red Tees. The entry fee is $10/player with golf fees extra as they apply. Call The Royal Pro Shop to book your spot (231 972 8979).

2024 MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS

We offer Match Play Championships for Men, Women, Men’s 2-Player and Women’s 2-Player Teams. The entry deadline for both the Men’s Individual and 2-Man Team Match Play Championship will be May 1st. All play is 18-hole with first round matches beginning June 1st for all 3 championships. The entry fee is $20/ player for each of these events.

We anticipate a large number of entrants in the men’s competitions. If we experience excessive demand (more than 64 individuals and more than 32 teams), we will conduct stroke play qualifying during the month of May to qualify for the match play rounds. You must pay your entry fee(s) to be officially entered into these championships.

SUNDAY SHAMBLES

This season we are introducing a 9-hole couples golf activity at The Royal. We will play on select Sunday’s beginning June 2nd with t-times starting at 3:00 PM.

• All players must have a USGA Index.

• Shamble Rules. Treat the tee shot like a scramble selecting the best location for all players to play the 2nd shot from. Play your own ball into the hole from that point. Players will receive 80% of their handicap with a maximum of two strokes per hole for any player. Tee Shot minimum of 1 per player.

• We will use three scores on Par 3’s, 2 scores on Par 4’s and 1 score on Par 5’s.

• Your guests are welcome to play.

• T-times begin at 3:00 PM.

• Entry fee is $10/couple with all prizes being gift cards for The Royal Grille. Golf fees will be extra as they apply.

• No commitment...play as often as you like.

SUNDAY SHAMBLES DATES

• June 2nd

• June 16th

• June 30th

• July 14th

• July 28th

• August 11th

• August 25th

• September 8th

UPCOMING CHARITY EVENTS

Canadian Lakes is a very giving community. The Royal hosts many charitable golf events throughout the season. Checkout our schedule to find your favorite cause(s):

• May 8 Remus Lions Golf & Bowl

• June 5 Links for the Lakes

All proceeds support the wildlife programs for the Tri-Lake Association

(Blue, Mecosta & Round Lake).

• June 12 Chippewa

Hills Sports Boosters

All proceeds support Warrior Athletics.

• June 19 Habitat for Humanity

All proceeds will support Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity.

• June 26 Morley

Stanwood Basketball

All proceeds support Mohawk Basketball.

• July 10 St. Mike’s on Spikes

All proceeds are used to support the

Technology Program at St. Michael School.

• August 7 LaSenorita Open

Proceeds are used to support Angels of Action.

• August 14 WCAR Outing

All proceeds are used to support the West Central Area Realtor Scholarship Fund.

Contact The Royal Golf Shop for more details or email your request to dwolfe@clpoc.org.

fishing FOCUS ON

24th Annual Canadian Lakes Bass Tournament, Saturday, June 22, 2024

THIS IS A TWO-PERSON team event from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The entry fee is $25 for each fisherman in two-person teams with optional $10 fee per boat for Big Bass Awards. Registration begins May 1 and applications must be received by Thursday June 20. One person on each team must be a member of Canadian Lakes or a parent, sibling, child, or grandchild. All boats must have CL registration stickers. Send entry form with check payable to Jason Snyder at 11474 S. Lookout Ridge, 989-621-0361. For additional information contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.com or by phone at 231-972-8663. Rules and entry form will be at the CLPOC Office located in the kiosk and on the CLA website, canadianlakesassociation.org.

Fishing Club Member

Agreement

Club members agree to practice and encourage everyone to release live all bass, pike 24” and over, and all muskies caught in our lakes, and no spearing. This helps to preserve the fishery in our lakes for our children and grandchildren. We also agree to abide by all State and Canadian Lakes rules and regulations concerning lakes and 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

Annual Kid’s Ice Fishing Derby (Cancelled)

On the initial date of February 10, the ice was not safe, so it was postponed to Feb 24, but the ice still did not cooperate, so it was cancelled for this year.

22nd Annual Young Angler’s Fishing Contest

THE CANADIAN LAKES Fishing Club will hold their Annual Young Angler's Fishing Contest on Saturday, July 6, 2024, for Canadian Lakes members children, grandchildren and house guests, 16 years and younger. Prizes will be awarded in each of four age groups: trophy and prize for largest fish, prize for second largest and four or more additional prizes by drawing. All anglers or their parent/guardian must register at the Main Pavilion west of the CLPOC Main

Office from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 5, or 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Saturday where they will be given a bag for the fish, gifts, and instructions. All fish must be caught between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday (honor system). There is no charge and anglers 16 years and under do not need a fishing license. Fishing Club caps and tee shirts will be available for purchase. A free picnic lunch and refreshments will be provided by the Mecosta County Optimists Club.

Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Membership

IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST in fishing, come join our Canadian Lakes Fishing Club, where you can communicate with others who fish our lakes and many other lakes, including Muskegon River, Saginaw Bay, and Lake Michigan. In 2023, we had 30 dues-paying members ($10). Everyone who joins is on

the group email distribution list for keeping up to date on fishing related information. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month from April to October, 7 p.m. at the Alpine Haus. For more information contact Dale Doepker at 231-972-8663 or by email at dtroutman97@aol.com.

MYS T ERIES

The Fungus Among Us...Morel Mystery

OBy Chris Zimmerman

ne of the best parts of spring is lying in bed on a warm night and listening to an approaching storm gallop across Mecosta County. Sure, thunder adds a little drama, so do the curtains when they catch a puff of air and dance seductively in the freshened breeze. Spring rains don’t go unnoticed outside my bedroom window. I hear the joy in the frogs’ and toads’ peeps and twangs as they call for mates from the edge of our lakefront lot. What really brings the season to full potential is the rain. Beautiful, warm, life sustaining rain.

For morel mushroom hunters, rain is the key ingredient for making mushrooms pop.

Just ask Greg Bonito, associate professor of plant, soil, and microbial science at Michigan State University. “Warm days and cool nights are ideal for growing morels, but moisture is key,” Bonito said. “Morels are a fungus and fungus do best in moist conditions. Moisture elongates the cells inside a morel, while a dry spell makes them shrivel.”

“Morels are where you find them,” Bonito said. “Even though there are over 80 varieties of morels, the most common are the blacks, grays and yellows.” Bonito said that morels can be found in backyards,

playgrounds, and apple orchards as well as traditional forest areas. “Edges of woods are great places to try. Areas beneath dead elm or ash trees can be good too.”

Prized for their nutty, delicious flavor, morel mushrooms can be tricky to find. It’s like a game of “Where’s Waldo” that takes place in the spring woods. Black morels are the first to sprout, usually at the end of April. On average, they stand about two or three inches tall and their pitted cap blends into the surroundings. Usually, where there’s one morel, there will be more.

Mecosta County has lots of places to search for morels. Vast tracks of state land, north and west of Canadian Lakes provide ample opportunity to try your luck. South facing hillsides are particularly good early in the season because they warm up the fastest. It may sound strange to say this but pay attention to the forest within the trees. Aspen trees are important when scouting places to search. Rumor has it that standing ash trees with the bark partially falling off are magnets for morels.

As for what time of year to look for morels, the end of April and all of May are the best. Bonito said that the lifespan of the morel is only about a week. Any good morel picker will tell you “If you’re not in

Photography submitted by Chris Zimmerman

the woods three or four days a week, you’re just wasting your time.” In other words, you have to keep going if you’re going to eventually capitalize.

Mecosta County resident Rick Kempton has been a morel mushroom hunter his entire life. As the saying goes, he’s a “fun guy who’s looking for fungi.” When not selling real estate this time of year at Coldwell Banker Canadian Lakes, you’re liable to find him with a comfortable pair of boots, smelling like bug spray, ambling through the woods with an onion sack in either hand. “The onion sack allows for picked mushrooms to spread the spoors as we walk through the woods,” he said.

“For years, my dad and I would have a springtime feast on the last Saturday in April, which consisted of fresh asparagus, morel mushrooms, leeks, and wild trout caught that day.” Opening day of trout season is traditionally the last Saturday of April. “It was quite a tradition,” Kempton said.

Cooking morels in the Kempton household isn’t an elaborate matter. “We just wash the morels, split them in half lengthwise, roll them in flour and fry them in butter.” The frying process shrinks the

morels into flavorful, bite-size morsels. They can be added to scrambled eggs, eaten as is, or stuffed inside the cavity of a brook, brown, or rainbow trout. Few meals in Michigan embody the flavor of the spring season like morel mushrooms. It’s like maple syrup in March, strawberry shortcake on Father’s Day, peach cobbler in August, or venison tenderloin in November.

As for where to find morels, Kempton suggests state land throughout Mecosta County. “Well-drained, sandy soil is important,” Kempton said. “If you can’t find them in an aspen forest, zero in on stands of pines. Morels are easier to spot amongst the pine straw.” Without question, it takes a keen eye to find morels in the aspen woods. Some folks carry a cane or stick with them, which serves as a probe to lift the leaves off the forest floor. Occasionally, a small morel will be shielded by a cluster of leaves.

The best morel pickers I know walk through the woods at a slow pace. They crouch occasionally, especially when at the base of a hill. A lower perspective gives them a better angle to spot morels. Detangling the forest duff in search of morels is one of the most pleasing ways to spend a day in the spring woods. After

a long Michigan winter, it feels good to stretch the legs and take in all that the season brings. Migrating songbirds fill the air with their sweet songs. Don’t be surprised if you hear a distant gobble from a wild turkey.

Once morels are found, Kempton suggests keeping their location to yourself, especially if it’s on state land. Kempton keeps his morel spots a secret; even good friends and family are kept in the dark. “Your spot becomes their spot and next thing you know, all the morels are gone,” he said.

Of course, keeping morel hotspots a secret can be a difficult chore, especially when parking on state land. In the spring of the year, a parked car on state land could be turkey hunters or mushroom pickers. When driving past a parked car, keep an eye out for folks plodding along, their heads bowed slightly. No, it’s not the Walking Dead apocalypse, but just outdoorsy people looking for a springtime meal so rich and flavorful it’s like a dream come true.

Chris Zimmerman is a Canadian Lakes resident, an independent insurance agent, and the author of six Michigan-based novels.

Joyce's Choices

SPRING BREAK BOOKS

BY JOYCE B. WILCOX

We’ve turned the page on winter and it’s time now to advance into spring with an eclectic bouquet of budding genres, the tales of which you are sure to enjoy. Whether you’re a crime fiction follower, adventure-thriller aficionado, WWII reminiscence reader, domestic fiction devotee, or a family saga supporter, these books are for you. Whatever turns your page, just take a break and spring for one of these books!

The Block Party by Jamie Day Meadowbrook, Massachusetts, the fictional setting for Jamie Day’s novel, The Block Party, may sound like a story which takes place in a town similar to Sheriff Andy Taylor’s quaint Mayberry, North Carolina, but don’t be fooled by the book’s title. This story is more like Desperate Housewives in Peyton Place with morsels of Law and Order and snippets of humor from Young Sheldon. Tension, suspense, wit, secrets, lies, raging hormones, raging anger, and raging jealousy, they’re all present and accounted for in this crime fiction novel.

I mean what could go wrong at an annual suburban neighborhood Memorial Day party? Actually, what couldn’t go wrong? You might try asking some of these long-time residents or even some of the new homeowners.

Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox

Perhaps the insect exterminator guy may have noticed something that bugs him. You could also ask the nosey on-line neighbors a few blocks over, any of several troubled teenagers on the block, or anyone having slept with someone they shouldn’t have. But nobody’s sharing all that they know. This is especially true of anyone who is a homicide victim.

Gotcha on that last one, didn’t I? Yes, the story opens on present day Memorial Day at the Alton Road annual block party where the hostess, Alexandra Fox, is trying to disguise the fact that she has consumed a tad too much wine. After she regretfully stumbles about with mishaps and receives a reprimand from her husband, Alexandra retreats inside and retires on the couch for a short nap. Cue the nearby police sirens outside her windows. She’s awake and so are you. The online chatter by neighbors reveals that there has been a homicide on Alton Road. No neighboring busybody seems to know the identity of the victim or the perp, and neither do you. Turn the page and chapter two commences. The year-long and book-long back story begins when guests are at the previous year’s Memorial Day block party and the author brings the reader up to date. Lives and lies are revealed to be intertwined, wined, and dined throughout the year until the secrets, scandals, and solutions are recapped and disclosed. Remarkable Memorial Day mayhem at its best!

The Secret

by Lee Child and Andrew Child

The year is 1992 and the first disclosed deaths appear to be either natural or accidental. Soon the government starts connecting the dots and realizes the deaths are related and couldn’t be coincidental. The deceased were scientists who had secretly worked together on a government assignment back in 1969 when suddenly the project went sour. Those involved were never given all of the information and were sworn to secrecy. What they did know was buried with the mission. Unfortunately for the scientists,

someone was now making it their mission to bury the scientists.

The Secretary of Defense summons four specialists to lend their expertise to solving this on-going string of murders before more deaths occur and the government’s hidden twenty-threeyear-old secret is revealed. This is the perfect opportunity for the co-authors, Lee, and Andrew Child, to insert their favorite protagonist, Jack Reacher. When the FBI, CIA, Treasury Department, and Jack Reacher from the US Army become involved, the plot thickens. But this team of investigators isn’t told all of the facts, nor are they told of everyone involved. And they’re all fearful of being held expendable if they fail. As they look for clues, the team works around the clock and around the country in an attempt to save the remaining scientists and find the killer or killers.

Six months ago, when I was introduced to this New York Times bestselling mystery thriller series, I knew I’d be reading more about Jack Reacher. I just didn’t know how soon. I guess it’s now. The Secret grabbed me within the first few paragraphs of chapter one and held me tight for the remainder of this runaway reading ride. Told from the third person point-of-view, this story permits the reader a perspective through the eyes of multiple characters. The end result is that while bodies are dropping and investigators are scrambling, you’re on the edge of your seat trying to gather the facts. You see, you need to remember that this is a novel by Lee and Andrew Child and they’re quite adept at revealing and withholding just enough information to keep you in suspense.

The Paris Assignment

by Rhys Bowen

Some of you may recall that last October I encouraged you to come along with me to join the Rhys Bowen fan club after I read one of her Royal Spy-ness

Mysteries about Lady Georgiana Rannoch. Well, I guess I’m repeating my reading recommendation, only this time it’s for Bowen’s masterful talents in another genre. In addition to the many delightfully witty mysteries she’s penned, Bowen is also known for her gripping historical fiction novels. The Paris Assignment, her insightful WWII novel which I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed, is such the case. This remarkable story transports you to war-torn Europe and the world of Bowen’s enthralling characters, settings, and plots.

The story begins in 1931 and the setting is the back of a French literature lecture hall at the Sorbonne University in Paris. Budding French journalist, the charismatic Giles Martin, accidentally encounters intriguing British college student, Madeleine Grant, as he secretly slips into an adjacent seat during class. The two commence talking, flirting, and eventually slip out of class together. Ah, but every good story needs conflict, so we soon discover that Madeleine is only studying abroad until the end of the semester and due to return to England. After an argument with her stepmother at Christmas, Madeleine decides to follow her heart and Giles back to Paris. Marriage is on the horizon for her in Europe, but that same horizon balances on the cusp of WWII.

Soon after, Olivier Louis Martin is born and Madeleine’s world changes once again. The couple begins raising their little boy as tensions mount in Europe and eventually Giles feels he must join the resistance to help France and his family any way he can. In order to financially support herself while she’s left to raise Olivier, Madeleine becomes a teacher. She also solicits help from an elderly aunt in Paris until she is forced to flee to England for her own safety and Olivier’s as well.

Years pass and it’s 1940 and London is hardly a safe haven, so Madeleine

eventually is forced to place her young son on a train bound for safety at a school in the English countryside. After an overwhelming twist of fate resulting in Madeleine losing her son, she accepts a position to aid the government in the war effort. She endures extensive and rigorous training, and then goes undercover in Paris to spy for the ministry, without ever knowing the fate of her husband or being able to put closure to the loss of her son. I’ve

brought you through the first harrowing few chapters of the novel, now the remainder is up to you. Heads up: A remarkable and unforgettable tale of bravery, perseverance, heartache, acceptance, love, and survival are what follows.

The Oysterville Sewing Circle

by Susan Wiggs

NYT bestselling author Susan Wiggs penned her first book, a one-hundred-

page story entitled A Book about Some Bad Kids, at the age of eight. Little known fact: She self-illustrated that book and kept the only copy. Fast forward several years and Wiggs is a Harvard graduate who started out teaching math and shortly after was lured back to her true love: writing. Since 1987, Wiggs has penned seventyfour books, several of which I’ve read. I’m telling you all of this to let you know that if you enjoy The Oysterville Sewing Circle as much as I did, there are many other books of hers that are just as interesting and entertaining. And yes, dear reader, there is actually an Oysterville, Washington.

This domestic fiction story unfolds as Caroline Shelby arrives back in Oysterville after a ten-year absence while she was attempting to seek her success in the fashion design industry of New York. Unfortunately for her, she hitched her wagon to the wrong New York design star and also found herself on the wrong side of a scandal. Now she’s looking for help with starting over in life. Due to another life-changing moment in NYC, she also recently became the legal guardian to the two small children of a close friend. For a single woman previously married to her New York designing career, adjusting to motherhood in her small hometown hamlet is full of twists, turns, and tribulations.

Caroline soon discovers that Oysterville has changed and her complicated life becomes even more complicated as secrets and problems from friends, family, and the rest of the town are slowly revealed. It seems everyone has their hands full with their worries and woes. In an attempt to literally stitch their lives back together, Caroline starts a support group, The Oysterville Sewing Circle. She’s hoping that keeping hands busy and battle scars bared will encourage women to share their troubles in an effort to heal. This is definitely a story which reaches outside

the threads of a sewing circle and tugs at the strings of your heart.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J.

Ryan Stradal

This delightfully entertaining novel caught my eye while I was perusing the shelves at Barnes & Noble downstate last December and I just had to add it to my personal library for several reasons.

First of all, I’d just recently discovered the talented author, J. Ryan Stradal, and wanted to sample more of his down-home voice and perspective.

Secondly, I was intrigued to discover yet another story saturated with Midwestern charm. And lastly, who could resist devouring a novel serving its quirky clientele in a supper club steeped in

hearty Saturday night prime rib dinners, Friday night fried fish feasts, free relish trays, and free-flowing drinks? True Midwestern meal mania!

This warm and witty novel tells its two-fold tale from and about none other than fictional Bear Jaw, Minnesota. One plot line focuses on the major characters of a seemingly multi-generational, dysfunctional, and comical family. The story begins when Mariel, owner, and bartender of the Lakeside Supper Club, becomes waylaid on the way to pick up her mother at church, which then causes her mother to wait. And wait. And wait. This mother-daughter conflict soon escalates and turns into the longest stand-off in Minnesota history as Mariel’s mother takes refuge in the church for months waiting for her ride. As time passes, the town folk join the family feud while readers learn more about these eccentric and unpredictable residents of Bear Jaw.

The second major plot revolves

around the trials and tribulations of the Lakeside Supper Club through the years as various individuals attempt to salvage the iconic restaurant. With a legacy of leisurely diners surrounded by hometown meals, the Lakeside Supper Club starts to feel the pinch from rapidly expanding trendy franchises. These new restaurants offer something the supper club cannot: change. The story not only contains behind-the-scene snippets from the famed kitchen, but also at the booths and tables of eccentric diners and staff, within the pine-tree-trimmed parking lot, and even from behind the horseshoe-shaped bar, aka the greatest watering hole in the north. How does tradition compete with transformation? I guess you’ll just have to pull up a chair, peruse the menu, get comfy, and find out for yourself.

April showers may bring May flowers, but Joyce’s Choices brings you spring break books! Enjoy!

Protect Our Loons & eir Nests

We normally have three loon nests on our Canadian Lakes each spring, where they lay eggs between late April and early June, and normally hatch 28 days later. At Far West Lake the loons normally nest on the island near the center of the lake. A “Keep Off ” sign is placed on the island whenever there is nesting activity. Please do not go on or near the island while the sign is posted. After they leave the nest, the sign will be removed and people can use the island for the rest of the year, but please be protective of this island gem. On East Lake and Lake of the Clouds, they normally nest on artificial nesting islands (ANI) built for them, so please stay at least 100 feet clear of these nests and loons in the water. Last year we had only 2 total loon babies. WE LOVE OUR LOONS, HELP US PROTECT THEM!

PRIVATE STATUS OF CANADIAN LAKES

ALL OF THE LAKES within Canadian Lakes are classified as PRIVATE. Access to the lake waters is limited to only Canadian Lakes members and authorized guests. MDNR Fishing Regulations and Fishing License requirements apply to all Canadian Lakes.

Fishing Fun Night

SATURDAY, MAY 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. will be Pike Fishing Fun Night. Just show up at Pierce Beach by 6:00 p.m., register, and fish for three hours. Catch, measure, release and record your catch. Return to the beach by 9:00 p.m. for awards and pizza. Entry is $7 for Fishing Club members and $8 for others.

Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series! Save The Dates

SUBMITTED BY DIANE SPIEKER

MARK YOUR CALENDARS...the 2024 Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series dates are set!

For those of you who have attended the concert series in the past, you know how enjoyable it can be to spend an evening on the shores of West Canadian Lake listening to live music at the Reuther Music Pavilion. And if you have never attended a concert, this could be the summer for you to join our many fans who gather to listen and dance to a variety of musical genres. You can look forward to new bands, new music from previous performers, and favorites back by popular demand!

Mark your calendars for the following dates: June 15, 22, 29, July 13, 27, August 10 and 17. Details will be announced in the June/July issue of The Canadian Laker and you can look for updates on our Facebook page, facebook.comcanadianlakes reuthermusicpavilion.

If you would like to volunteer in a supporting role on any

concert date or join the music committee, please email David Spieker at david.spieker3@gmail.com.

Summer is almost here… see you at the pavilion!

Butterflies Are Blooming!

AT THE FREDERICK MEIJER GARDENS IN GRAND RAPIDS THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024

BUTTERFLIES ARE BLOOMING! at the Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids through April 30, 2024.

The largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States highlights the stunning diversity and intricate beauty of butterflies and moths. Butterflies Are Blooming, opened on March 1 and runs through April 30. Visitors are invited to celebrate the unique spectacle of lepidopteran flight and the exquisite patterns of their wings in the lush environment of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. This year’s exhibition is a true global journey, featuring more than 60 species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these vibrant world travelers. To view hours and pricing, go to meijergardens.org/.

A Blue Morpho Butterfly at the Butterflies Are Blooming! exhibit. Photography by Cora Foley

Roger Stobert Mobile Watch Coordinator

231-288-0148

spankky@charter.net

CLPOC STICKERS

With the coming of spring, please remember to affix your 2024 CLPOC stickers to your vehicle(s), membership cards, permanent guest passes (if you have them) and your boats, trailers, ORVs’ kayaks, etc. If you haven’t already received or picked them up and replaced last year’s sticker, be sure to do so soon.

WINTER WATCH REPORT

It was another busy Winter Watch (Red Light) season for your Mobile Watch (MW) and Canadian Lakes Safety. As usual, Mobile Watch volunteers in all nine areas reported numerous red lights to Canadian Lakes Safety. The Mobile Watch and Canadian Lakes Safety watch over all the homes in Canadian Lakes. Over the years, the actions taken by Mobile Watch and Safety have undoubtedly saved residents thousands of dollars in damaged property. The Winter Watch/Red Light Form can be found on the members website under forms or at the following, acrobat.adobe. com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:830af036-61304939-8e17-ea08f057ff13.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

We all have seen it — SPEEDING. Speeding is a problem in Canadian Lakes. We can blame contractors for some of the violations, but we should face the facts — WE are all part of the problem. We hope that it will not take

the death or serious injury of a playing child, a walker, jogger, or a bicyclist to get us to slow down. Canadian Lakes Safety has tried to raise our awareness by using the roadside speed monitor and by installing the dreaded portable speed bump devices. Usually, driving behavior changes — but only briefly. Then speeds go back up.

Rest assured that Mobile Watch volunteers will do their part by reporting speed violations to Canadian Lakes Safety. Can we count on you to watch your speed while driving? Think of your children or grandchildren out playing in our beautiful community as you are driving, and please obey the 25mph limit.

The time saved between 25mph and 45mph when driving 5 miles is only seconds. Consider the time and anguish should something tragic occur because of your speeding. SLOW DOWN! We want to make sure that everyone has a fun and SAFE summer

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Whether it is summer or winter, Mobile Watch and Canadian Lakes Safety are always watching out for the safety and security of our common and private properties. Since we are not a gated community, our assets are limited as to where we can be at any given time. That is where you come in. If you see something, say something. Report suspicious individuals and vehicles immediately. Call Canadian Lakes Safety at 231-972-8555, or if it is an emergency, call the Sheriff ’s Department at 911 or (231) 796-4811.

Timely notification is crucial

GO GREEN AND WHITE!

Nope! Mobile Watch is not taking sides between Go Green or Go Blue. After all, we believe in our personal SAFETY. Do you have a green and white reflective house number sign at your home? If you don’t, you should! As we have said in the past, “these signs are lifesavers.”

The reflective house number signs help emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) and Canadian Lakes Safety find your home more easily, especially

in the dark. It also helps Mobile Watch in reporting suspicious activities and red lights at your house. Signs and metal posts are low-cost items, but they pay high dividends. Reflective house number signs and posts are available for less than $20 at most home improvement stores or through Morton Township at mortontownship.org/wp-content/ uploads/2019/02/911_SIGN.pdf.

Be smart and be safe. Install a reflective house number sign in front of your home! For those who already have reflective house number signs in place, we say THANK YOU, but please check to make sure the installed signs are high enough so that plowed snow next winter will not cover it, i.e., at least as high as your mailbox. If the sign isn’t visible, it doesn’t help.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Canadian Lakes Mobile Watch would like to thank all those dedicated volunteers who donate their time, vehicle, and gas to help keep Canadian Lakes safe. Did you know that some of our volunteers have been doing patrols for over a decade? There are currently over 50 patrollers that are members of our prestigious Decade Club. This is a true commitment and dedication to community service!

HELP US HELP YOU!

One of the Mobile Watch goals is to perform at least two patrols each day in each of the nine areas within Canadian Lakes. This involves some 6,570 patrols each year to help keep Canadian Lakes safe and to offer aid when needed. While we have been successful in attracting some new MW members, WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP. For those returning from their winter retreats, now is the time to step up and show your appreciation to the Mobile Watch by joining. Gaps remain in the coverage in many patrol areas.

Even if you cannot serve on a full-time basis, Mobile Watch could use your assistance as a parttime or substitute member. If you can help for even some months of the year to ensure Canadian Lakes remains safe, please contact Roger Stobert at 231-288-0148 or (spankky@charter.net) or Canadian Lakes Safety at 231-972-8555.

Safety

Kristin Wilcox Safety Director

kwilcox@clpoc.org

Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer! As we welcome the sun and warmer temperatures our population once again begins to swell, and thoughts turn to boating, beaches, and BBQ. I thought I would take the time to speak about some summertime issues that pop up from time-to-time.

DRIVING IN THE COMMUNITY

The speed limit within Canadian Lakes is 25 mph unless otherwise posted, such as at the Campground and Sunset Shores where it is 15 mph. We need to remember that our community is full of both the young and the old, and this necessitates the monitoring of the speed in our community. This spring and summer your Safety Team will be

deploying our speed sign to help with this issue. As we can better identify the problem areas in the community, it will allow your Safety Team to put in place possible solutions. However, the speed sign is not the only solution to the problem; we as members can make sure that we are following all traffic safety laws while driving on our roads.

WALKERS/RUNNERS

IN THE COMMUNITY

For those that love nothing more than a nice walk or run on a warm spring/ summer day/evening please remember that we share these roads with cars, trucks, motorcycles, ORV’s and bicycles. When walking or running on the roads in the community please remember these safety tips:

1. Walk facing traffic, this means that a car should never approach you from behind on the same side of the road as you.

2. Walk on the road in a single file, this is especially important on roads with hills and curves as these often act as blind spots, limiting the time that drivers have to react.

3. Be visible, if you must walk or run in low visibility times such as sunrise or sunset wear bright clothing, wear something reflective, and carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp to make yourself more visible to drivers.

4. Keep the volume down on music, hang up the phone, and don’t get distracted by playing games. Turning the volume down on your headphones allows you to hear approaching vehicles or bikers approaching from behind. Talking on the phone and playing games while walking creates a distraction that prevents you from being aware of your environment.

DOG LAWS

Many of us are dog owners and there is nothing better in the summertime than strolling along the street on a warm summer day with your dog. Here in Canadian Lakes, we have simplified things by adopting the Michigan Leash Law. All dogs six months and older must be licensed in the county in which the owner resides, the owner must be able to show proof of the license when asked by a person authorized to enforce this. All dogs when off the owner’s property must be on a 6-foot leash and have a collar with the appropriate tags. When on the owner’s property dogs must always be under the control of the owner. When walking your dog in Canadian Lakes it is required that all waste be bagged and properly disposed of. A friendly reminder that dogs are ONLY allowed on the beaches outside of the swim area (outside of the buoyed area) in Canadian Lakes unless otherwise posted. If your dog should become separated from you and you need assistance locating it, please contact your Safety Team.

BOATER SAFETY

5. Keep your dog on a short leash, if you are walking your dog on the roads in the community you should not be using a retractable leash, the amount of time that it takes to retrieve a dog to your side on a retractable leash could allow for devastating consequences.

With the boating season ramping up, I want to mention that anyone planning to drive a boat on any Canadian Lake this summer born after 1978 is required to complete a boater safety course. Any person born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to carry their boater safety card with them when operating a motorized watercraft. Thanks to advances in technology, it is even easier to obtain your boater safety card. You no longer must attend a class in person although many communities still offer them. Here in Michigan, you can find an online version by going to boat-ed.com. A copy of the boaters Handbook is available to download for free online through Michigan DNR at www.michigan.gov/dnr/ things-to-do/boating/rules-and-regs.

BOAT RAMP HOURS

Last year was a bonus year, thanks to our outstanding boat ramp team we were able to open the ramp for the weekends starting in March and it remained open through October. We hope that our dedicated employees will be back to help facilitate

this again for the coming season. Tentative (weather and staffing dependent) boat ramp hours are as follows:

Starting March 31 thru May 11 (weather and staffing permitting)

Friday 10am – 6pm

Saturday 8am – 7pm

Sunday 10am – 7pm

May 11 thru August 31 (weather and staffing permitting)

Monday thru Thursday 10am – 7pm

Friday and Saturday 8am – 7pm

Sunday 10am – 7pm

Please remember to have all appropriate stickers adhered to your vessel before approaching the boat ramp. Our attendants will be checking and will not allow any boats on the lake without the proper stickers. State of Michigan registration expires on March 31 of the year displayed. Reminder that these times listed are weather and staffing dependent. So, if you know of someone that would be interested in joining the team, please have them apply through the CLPOC Main Office or email me at kwilcox@clpoc.org.

As always, we on the Safety Team want to thank the wonderful volunteers of the Mobile Watch; without your dedication, our job would be much more difficult. Your safety in the community is our top priority!

ALL Members are required to have this sticker affixed to the windshield of their vehicles. (Cars, Trucks, Vans...etc.). It is non-transferable.

This is the registration sticker for ALL golfcart’s, ORV’s, snowmobiles, trailers, and RV’s. It must be affixed in a highly visible permanent location.

This is the Registration sticker for ALL motorized Watercraft. Watercraft MUST be registered to the member. You will receive two stickers with the same number, both need to be attached permanently to the watercraft near the bow (front) one on each side, near the MC#’s. The annual sticker is attached immediately next to this sticker on the watercraft.

GREETINGS TO ALL FROM YOUR SAFETY TEAM. With a new summer season within sight, we put together this little guide to help alleviate confusion when the summer months arrive and get you outside faster. I thought I would take this time to speak about registration of vehicles/watercraft/ORV/golfcart, and guest passes.

CLPOC MEMBERSHIP STICKERS

A CLPOC member who is in good standing must provide the CLPOC with a valid vehicle registration in order to be issued a current year CLPOC membership sticker. The sticker is to be placed on the member’s vehicle, including cars, trucks, vans, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, RV’s, snowmobiles and/or watercraft, in order to establish that the member is in good standing for that year. The CLPOC membership sticker is nontransferable. The CLPOC membership vehicle sticker issued for a member must be affixed to the windshield of cars, trucks, vans. The CLPOC membership registration sticker must also be affixed to other vehicles, trailers, golf carts, snowmobiles, watercraft, etc. so that they are visible.

Any vehicle not displaying a current year CLPOC Membership sticker, current year issued CLPOC guest hanging placard, or a daily/weekly guest pass is subject to violation and possible towing from Canadian Lakes common properties. Watercraft not showing the proper State and Canadian Lakes registration will not be allowed on any Lake in Canadian Lakes. Guests are prohibited from launching or operating watercraft that are not properly registered through CLPOC to a member in good standing. As always, your Safety Team wishes to make your summertime experience in Canadian Lakes as enjoyable as possible. You can assist us in making that happen by making sure to acquire the proper registration stickers/guest passes for your summertime fun prior to usage.

This is the Registration sticker for ALL non-motorized Watercraft. You will receive two stickers with the same number, both need to be attached permanently in a highly visible position to the SAME watercraft, one on each side of the hull near the bow (front). The annual sticker is attached immediately next to this sticker on the watercraft.

This is the annual sticker for all motorized boats. It must be affixed immediately next to the registration sticker in a highly visible permanent location.

This is the annual sticker for all nonmotorized boats, Golfcarts, ORV’s, snowmobiles, trailers, and RV’s. It must be affixed next to the registration sticker in a highly visible permanent location.

Each Membership is entitled to have two of these hanging placards for their guests to use while visiting Canadian Lakes. Additional guest passes may be obtained through the CLPOC Main Office on a daily or weekly basis. They are only available to members in good standing at the time of request.

Roger Stobert Volunteer Yard Waste Coordinator

231-288-0148

spankky@charter.net

Canadian Lakes Yard Waste will be open Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will be OPEN every Wednesday and

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., April through November 27, 2024.

As open burning of yard wastes is not allowed in Canadian Lakes and to preclude the dumping of these wastes on neighboring lots and common areas, Canadian Lakes Yard Waste was established to provide CLPOC members in good standing with a place to dispose of their residential yard waste.

Canadian Lakes Yard Waste is located on the south side of Pierce Road between 110th Ave. and Tullymore Drive.

To gain access, you will need a 2024 CLPOC ID, vehicle sticker, or guest pass.

Items allowed to be brought to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste include tree and shrub branches and limbs less than 4” in diameter and plant-based materials normally associated with residential yard maintenance such as grass clippings, leaves, and discarded mulch and plants.

The following are NOT allowed to be left at Canadian Lakes Yard Waste: garbage, including food scraps such as rinds, peels, cores, etc., fireplace or campfire ashes, yard waste containers, including paper or plastic bags, or hanging baskets.

When depositing your yard waste, please place it as far off the road and on top of or behind previously dumped waste. This helps to minimize the number of times a “push back” is needed, thus keeping yard waste costs to a minimum.

The friendly site attendants are all volunteers and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. If your vehicle sticker is easily visible, the attendant will give you a friendly wave when you enter but will stop you if he/she doesn’t see the sticker on your vehicle or it is not current.

Please be courteous and drive slowly (5mph or less) when entering and exiting the facility to prevent raising dust and endangering other depositors.

Should you have any questions related to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste prior to your visit or should you want to volunteer to help at the site, please contact Roger Stobert, Yard Waste Coordinator at 231-288-0148 or by email at spankky@charter.net.

Visit the members website to view Canadian Lakes Yard Waste information any time, it is located under the

CLPOC Board Minutes

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation

Board of Directors Meeting

January 27, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

Attendee’s Role

Paul Szymkowicz (PS) President IP

Steve Wilcox (SW) Vice President Z

James French (JF) Treasurer Z

Steve Brandt (SB) Secretary IP

Dan Rice (DR) Director IP

Matt Stifter (MS) Director Z

Linda Ricketts (LR) Director IP

Shannon Hannon (SH) Director Z

Dan Tunacik (DT) Director Z

Others in attendance — Greg Babbitt (GB) — General Manager, Kim Dowell (KD) — Comptroller, and Lindsay Halcomb (LH) — Marketing.

AGENDA TOPIC’S AND DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance — Meeting called to order by President Szymkowicz (PS) @ 9:00 AM and Pledge conducted.

2. Agenda Approval — DR / JF 9-0

3. Austin and Morton Township Reports — No reports from either Township

4. Presidents Report — PS, Welcome to new members, going to build on the successes of 2023, singling out the Royal Grille and staff for a great year, 2024 billings mailed to the membership, thank you to all the volunteers

5. Financial Report — KD, corporation doing well, but still don’t have the 22-23 year end audit completed or the year end entries booked.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. ACC Committee — Reviewed charter, member introductions and backgrounds, structure and goals for the year. No new construction approvals in January.

2. CLA — LR reported on upcoming activities, including the Winter Carnaval.

3. Executive Committee — Rec’d

operational updates, updates from all committees, discussion of food trailer options, review and status of system(s) at the Royal Grille, legal update

4. Finance Committee — Reviewed financial results and forecast(s) in detail as well as at the department level. Audit update. Reviewed reserve and capital items. Small claims update as well as amenity usage. Discussed compliance and status regarding The Marketable Title Act. Status of the pines irrigation project.

5. Strategic Planning Committee — Met, reviewed charter and strategic

plan update and rollout, Top 10 List, including potential additions as well as status of land bank lots.

GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT

1. GB reported

2. Amenity Usage Report — Included in the board package

3. Departmental Report — Included in the board package

4. Reserve & Capital Project Update — Nothing new to report on

5. General Manager Committee Reports — Only two General Manager committees report during the off season, Compliance and Restaurant, and both will meet in February.

6. Miscellaneous Items — Discussed the status of the snow plowing situation in detail. 2024 billings have been mailed to the membership, status of winter sports park.

7. Consent Calendar — Motion made to approve the notes of December 6, 2023 Workshop Meeting & Minutes of the December 16, 2023 Board Meeting as well as receive and file December 2023, check disbursements. SB / DR 9-0

8. Member Comments on action or discussion items — No comments from the audience

9. Items for Board Action — No action items

10. Items for board discussion –

a. Bylaw Amendment – Discussed the attached white paper

b. Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Hearing –Discussed the attached white paper

c. Board Committee Charters & Membership – Suspended the rules JK / SB 9-0; Motion to approve board

committee charters and membership as submitted JF/ SH 9-0

d. Liquor Licenses – Suspend the rules SW / SB 9-0, Motion to approve temporary liquor licenses as submitted on the white paper.

11. Member Comments — No comments from audience

12. Director Comments — Various comments welcoming DR back to the board and MS and DT to the board a new members.

13. Member communications — Update on the snow plowing situation

14. Moved to executive session — No executive session

15. Adjournment — DR / LR 9-0

Respectively submitted by Steve Brandt, Board Secretary. (Minutes are printed as submitted.)

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation

Board of Directors Meeting February 24, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.

Attendee’s Role Present Absent

Paul Szymkowicz (PS) President IP

Steve Wilcox (SW) Vice President Z

James French (JF) Treasurer Z

Steve Brandt (SB) Secretary IP

Dan Rice (DR) Director A

Matt Stifter (MS) irector IP

Linda Ricketts (LR) Director IP

Shannon Hannon (SH) Director Z

Dan Tunacik (DT) Director Z

Others in attendance — Greg Babbitt (GB) - General Manager and Kim Dowell (KD) – Comptroller.

AGENDA TOPIC’S AND DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance — Meeting called to order by President Szymkowicz (PS) @ 9:00 AM and Pledge conducted.

2. Agenda Approval — SB / LR 9-0

3. Austin and Morton Township Reports — No reports from either Township

4. Presidents Report — PS, been a strange winter so far, singling out the Royal Grille, staff and membership for the success of the dueling piano event. Remember the new “Ask the Board” question segment for workshops, questions due the Monday before

workshop. Reminder of how the board follows Roberts Rules for board meetings. When “Members” are referred to, it means “member of the board,” not “members or the corporation or audience.”

5. Financial Report — KD, reviewed the financial results and position and compared them to prior periods.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

6. ACC Committee — Met Wednesday. Approved 2 new builds, tabled 1. Reviewed outbuilding policy as well as status of short term rental subcommittee. Listen to a member’s

issues and tried to send her to the appropriate party as the ACC is declining to get involved with the placement on electrical meters on a new home.

7. CLA — LR reported on upcoming activities, including the Easter Egg Hunt and Singles Mingle.

8. Executive Committee — Rec’d operational updates, updates from all committees, discussion of food trailer menu and calendar, RV Park, Short term rentals, State Landbank, communication, and legal updates

9. Finance Committee — Met Thursday, reviewed financial results

and forecast(s) in detail as well as at the department level. Audit update. Reviewed reserve and capital items. Small claims update as well as amenity usage. Discussed compliance and status regarding The Marketable Title Act. Status of the pines irrigation project, security systems and staffing levels

10. Strategic Planning Committee — Met Tuesday, reviewed charter and strategic plan update and rollout and Pine Pro Shop Project (a subcommittee was formed) Top 10 List, including potential additions as well as status of land bank lots. Security system for Highland and Alpine Houses.

GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT

11. GB reported

12. Amenity Usage Report — Included in the board package

13. Departmental Report — Included in the board package

For a responsive, professional approach to your home loan, call Kayla Iltis at (231) 598-9149 or email kiltis@ssbankmi.com.

14. Reserve & Capital Project Update — Beach sand sifter, cabana (small (231) 598-9149 ssbankmi.com/kayla

pavilions), Skid Steer, #2 drainage, Pines irrigation system all in various stages of execution.

15. General Manager Committee Reports — Only two General Manager committees report during the off season, Compliance and Restaurant, and both will meet in March. Staffing levels and better utilization of NorthStar software system for events.

16. Miscellaneous Items — 2024 billings have been mailed to the membership, due March 1, 2024. Garage Sale Memorial Day weekend and Fireworks, Saturday, July 6th, 2024.

17. Consent Calendar — Motion made to approve the notes of January 10, 2024 Workshop Meeting & Minutes of the January 27, 2024 Board Meeting as well as receive and file January 2024 check disbursements. SB / SW 9-0

18. Member Comments on action or discussion items — No comments from the audience

19. Items for Board Action —

a. Conduct Budget hearing pursuant to Article XII(c) of the articles of incorporation (AOI) relative to Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget. PS/JF 9-0 open hearing, JF review, SB comments, JF closing remarks, no questions

b. Castle Awning, Additional amount of 4,800 to extend castle awning to the front circle. JF/LR 9-0

20. Items for board discussion —

a. Fiscal Year 2025 Budget — No comments

b. Alpine and Highland Haus Access Control System — Suspended the rules JK / SB 9-0; Motion to approve Alpine and Highland Haus Access Control System as submitted JF/ SH 9-0

21. Member Comments — No Comments from audience

22. Director Comments — Nothing of note.

23. Member communications — “Ask the Board” program for workshops

24. Moved to executive session — No executive session

25. Adjournment —SB / MS 9-0

April

APRIL

APRIL

APRIL

APRIL 5

APRIL 5

APRIL 6

APRIL 6

Ira Glass 5

APRIL 9

Celtic Woman 5

APRIL 12

Grand Rapids Griffins 2

APRIL 12-13

GR Symphony Presents: A Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus Celebration 5

APRIL 13

Grand Rapids Rise 2

APRIL 14

AJR 2

APRIL 18

Grand Rapids Rise 2

APRIL 19-20

Opera Grand Rapids Presents La Boheme 5

APRIL 21

Grand Rapids Griffins 2

APRIL 23-28

Broadway GR Presents Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird 5

APRIL 27

GODSMACK VIBEZ TOUR 6

May

MAY 1

Benjamin Bernardes Violin Recital 3

MAY 1

David Sedaris 5

MAY 3-4

GR Symphony Presents May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars and More! 5

MAY 3-4

STYX 6

MAY 4-5

Grand Rapids Rise 2

MAY 9

Stained 2

MAY 10-11

GR Symphony Presents Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto 5

MAY 11

Katt Williams 2

MAY 11

Traverse City Wine Tour 3

MAY 11

Tacos & Tequila 6

MAY 11

Kite Day 7

MAY 12

Grand Rapids Rise 2

MAY 15-19

Broadway GR Presents Wicked 5

MAY 19

Greta Van Fleet 2

MAY 21-31

Broadway GR Presents Wicked 5

MAY 25

Chicago 6

MAY 27

CLA Sponsored Memorial Day Program 7

MAY 29

Hozier 2

June

JUNE 1

Tim McGraw 2

JUNE 1-2

Broadway GR Presents Wicked 5

JUNE 7

SHINEDOWN 6

JUNE 11

Styx & Foreigner Renegades & Juke Box

Heros Tour 2

JUNE 12

Ferris Community Band 7

JUNE 14

Nate Bargatze 2

JUNE 15

1964 The Tribute 5

JUNE 16

Donny Osmond 5

JUNE 18

Stevie Nicks Live in Concert 2

JUNE 20-21

Leanne Morgan 5

JUNE 23

Motley Crue 6

JUNE 27

Luke Bryan 2

JUNE 29

Quilt Show 7

JUNE 29

CLA Summer Art & Craft Show 7

SOCIAL CANADIAN LAKES LET’S GET

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

EXERCISE/DANCE CLASS

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

ASPIRING ARTISTS

1pm - 5pm

Highland Haus

Cora Foley Tealpaca@icloud.com

POOL CUE LEAGUE

1 pm • October-December/January-March

Member homes

231-972-7327

2-3 pm

Alpine Haus 231-972-0029

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

FISHING FUN NIGHT

Variable

• 4th Wednesday • May-September

Main Beach

TBA

GREAT IDEAS

2 pm • 2nd & 4th Wednesday

Highland Haus 810-919-1765 or ppwig@aol.com

MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE

9 am to 10 am

Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays

Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com

WRITER'S QUEST

3-5 p.m. • 2nd Wednesday

January-December

Alpine Haus

Joyce Wilcox 734-223-7841 joycebwilcox@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

Toni Sessoms: (989) 824-3174 tls-franklin@hotmail.com

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.

Spring is the perfect time to order cemetery monuments for summer delivery.

To set up an appointment, call us at our Big Rapids location at, 231-796-8628, or our Remus location at, 989-967-3464.

Manager

Melissa L Janowicz-

Meet with us to create a financial plan to establish realistic goals.

A financial plan will:

• Develop strategies to accomplish your goals tailored to your unique needs.

• Explore all areas of your finances, even those you may not have considered before.

• Have a trusted advisor to answer your questions and provide guidance every step of the way.

• Avoid financial stress and take control of your finances.

• Make progress toward your goals on your timeline.