20 minute read
From the Board
President Paul L. Szymkowicz
CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org
OFFICERS President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com John Colley Vice President jacclpoc@gmail.com Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com Secretary Linda Tilley ltilley.clpoc@gmail.com
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Dan Altier altierdt@gmail.com Daniel Rice dozerrice1960@gmail.com Bob Halpin rbobhalpin@aol.com Jerry Junker juncker.jerald@yahoo.com Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com
CLPOC BOARD MEETINGS Regular Monthly Board Meeting Fourth Saturday 9 a.m., Highland Haus Workshop Board Meeting Second Wednesday 5:30 p.m., CLPOC Office Conference Room During the fourth of July weekend there were so many great things going on in our community it is hard to list them all. We had our fireworks show on July 2 and they were beautiful to watch from the water. Many friends and families watched from the Highland Haus and the Alpine Haus. A good time was had by all. Participants in the Canadian Lakes parade just traveled down West Royal Road waving and throwing candy to all the spectators. A big “thank you” to all those that helped set up and participated in this year’s parade. The CLA picnic was fantastic. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.
On June 22 the last of the state-mandated restrictions that affected Canadian Lakes were lifted. All our amenities are now able to open to 100 percent capacity. All one needs to do is look around and you can see the positive effects in the community. Tee times at all three of the Canadian Lakes golf courses were booked throughout the holiday weekend. Currently, the outdoor pool is showing heavy use. Earlier this summer, the lake pumps were running, trying to raise the lake levels. One week Canadian Lakes received just over four inches of rain. Today, our main lakes are at capacity. The Royal Grille is also showing a marked increase in member use. Remember, even though the Royal Grille is open, please be a little extra courteous and patient when dealing with all the service aspects in our community. Everyone is striving to do their absolute best during these times. Most if not all the area’s pavilions were utilized over the holiday weekend. It was fantastic to finally see families and friends being able to get together to celebrate.
On June 26, the Board of Directors was able to meet in person. It is difficult to believe that our last in-person Board meeting was in February 2020, 16 months ago. That is around 475 days. Although the Zoom platform performed very well for us over that period, I for one am glad to be able to go back to in-person Board meetings. Our Wednesday afternoon workshops will also be returning to in-person meetings. Those directors who can make it in person are encouraged to do so. Those who can’t meet in person can still do so on Zoom.
It is that time of year again when we start preparing for this year’s fall election. As in previous years, three director positions will become available. The three directors whose terms are expiring have the option to run for another three years; and as always, this election is open to any member in good standing who may wish to run for one of three positions. A committee has been formed to answer any questions that the membership may have about becoming a member of the CLPOC Board of Directors. Any interested individuals can send their questions or request the proper forms to the following email address: clpocnominating@gmail.com.
Until next time, please be safe and enjoy what our community has to offer. All you need to do is look around and there can be no doubt that “The Good Life “is stronger than ever before.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AMENDMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
CLPOC Board of Directors
Since the CLPOC was formed, the Articles of Incorporation have been amended numerous times. The Board of Directors intends to propose to the membership the adoption of amended and restated Articles of Incorporation. The purposes of this amendment and restatement are (1) to have all current provisions of the Articles of Incorporation contained in one complete document, (2) to reflect changes in the law, (3) to address inconsistent provisions or language that is no longer relevant, and (4) to clarify other points and concerns that have been raised over the years. The CLPOC Board will be fully transparent in this process and will give all members an opportunity to review any proposed changes prior to the requested approval vote on the Annual Meeting ballot. In the coming months, the CLPOC Board will provide members with information regarding the proposed amendments, along with the explanation/rationale.
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. 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.
BOARD DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT
BOARD MEMBER
Bob Halpin
My wife Beth and I first came to Canadian Lakes as summer vacationers about seven years ago when her sister and brother-in-law moved to Canadian Lakes after he retired. I remember being struck by the beauty of Canadian Lakes and the fantastic weather in the summer.
Having grown up in southern Illinois outside St. Louis and living most of my career in places like Little Rock, suburban Washington, D.C., and Hampton, Virginia, I was only used to summers with miserably hot, humid days. The idea of playing summer afternoon golf in comfort and getting to wear sweatshirts in the evening was fantastic. I remember thinking, “I could get used to this!”
For the next several summers we came to Canadian Lakes. With each summer I got to know Canadian Lakes a little better, enjoying the family boat rides in the afternoons and evenings and playing golf on the various courses.
When I retired from IBM after 37-plus years at the end of 2017, and with our three boys grown and gone, Beth and I decided to sell the house in northern Virginia and buy a place in Canadian Lakes. We moved here in April 2018 and spent our first summer focused on fixing up the house and property for the long term. As a new resident, I was learning more about what a fantastic and welcoming community Canadian Lakes is. The organized golf leagues and tournaments that Dennis Wolfe put on made it easy to meet other people in the community who also love to play golf. Everyone was so welcoming.
The other thing I did that first year was decide to run for the Board. I figured it would be a good way to contribute to the community as a volunteer and would help me learn more about Canadian Lakes—more than I could find out on my own. Even though I knew very little about how the Board operated, I thought I would jump in. So, in fall 2018 I ran and was elected.
As my three-year term comes to an end this year, I look back to when I started and realize how little I knew then about Canadian Lakes, the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation (CLPOC), the community, and being a Board member here. Of course, I’m still learning, but certain things really stand out for me.
First, I had no idea how large and complex Canadian Lakes really is: more than 5,000 properties with more than 50 different sets of deed restrictions; more than 2,000 homeowners and another 1,600-plus property owners, all of whom bring a diversity of backgrounds and interests; a dedicated staff that serves the membership; and a corporate structure—the CLPOC—to support it all. Even our homeowners live their Canadian Lakes lives differently, with some staying here yearround, others splitting their year with summers here and winters elsewhere (we are in this category, heading back to Virginia in the winter), and still others who come up on the weekends. We have a vast array of amenities to choose from and a great volunteer social organization in the Canadian Lakes Association (CLA) that all help make Canadian Lakes so unique.
My time on the Board has been a great personal education about Canadian Lakes. First, I believe we are blessed here to have such an experienced, professional, and hardworking staff under the general management of Greg Babbitt. I have gotten to know Greg and his management team and can tell you that they are dedicated people who work long hours and successfully deal with the daily operational complexities that come with a large, diverse community such as ours.
Second, we have a great organizational and cultural structure that supports the Canadian Lakes community. The CLPOC provides a solid organizational base with an operational team, a nine-member Board elected by the membership for oversight, and Articles of Incorporation/Bylaws. We also have
In the past few issues of The Canadian Laker, the board directors have had the opportunity to tell us a little more about themselves. We have enjoyed reading about each of them, and we hope you have, too. To conclude our Board Director Spotlights, we happily give you Bob Halpin and John Colley.
a separate and organized volunteer group in the CLA that provides outstanding, seamless cultural and social value to the community.
Speaking of volunteerism, when I ran for the CLPOC Board, I didn’t realize how much time is involved in being a Board member. Besides the obvious monthly workshop and Board meetings, there is a lot of work through Board Committee work. Also, having spent time on several Board committees (Architectural Control, Strategic Planning) and as Chair of the Lot Default committee, I see the enormous amount of time other Canadian Lakes at-large members spend on these committees, too. Their contributions to the success of these CLPOC committees are every bit as important as the Board members'.
As I look back on my two-and-ahalf years on the CLPOC Board, I think its greatest strength is the diversity of the Board itself—which stems from the annual election and term structure that elects a third of the director team each year. The current slate of directors has a good diversity of both professional experiences (business, education, legal) and Canadian Lakes interests (golf, boating, hunting, and so forth). Some of the Board members have lived in Canadian Lakes for decades; others, like me, arrived here in the past few years. This results in a well-rounded Board that brings different ideas for improving and moving Canadian Lakes forward. All Board members don’t always agree on what the best or right answer is for a particular situation. Some might see this as problematic, but I think it is a sign of Board health— expanding its thinking, challenging itself to always examine its working assumptions, and looking to the future while respecting its past.
This particular Board has overseen the most important task of approving a five-year funding plan (currently in place) that provides us financial stability. It has also developed and approved a new, more inclusive approach to strategic planning with the Community Planning Process, which brings CLPOC members, staff, and the Board together in charting key components of our community’s future.
Finally, when I see all the amenities and CLPOC operational support we have in Canadian Lakes, I think how blessed we are to have an annual membership price under $750. Quite a bargain! Having thousands of members cost-sharing our operational and infrastructure costs provides Canadian Lakes a unique platform for financial stability that few other communities enjoy. We get access to golf, beautiful lakes, pickleball, swimming, dining, winter snow removal, reliable road maintenance, and so much more for a price that in other communities might just get trash pickup!
But above all, I continue to come back to this realization: it’s the people— our members and employees—that make Canadian Lakes such a unique and special Michigan gem.
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BOARD DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT
BOARD MEMBER
John Colley
“THE GOOD LIFE.” When I first heard the slogan, I must admit that it did not immediately ring home for me. In fact, I questioned whether it adequately characterized our community or life here. It is a very simple type of slogan—11 letters, three words—basic.
My wife Kathy and I have been part-time residents of Canadian Lakes for the past seven years (we also have a residence in Georgetown, TX). During that time, we have had the good fortune to spend most of our holidays, summers, and other miscellaneous times at our cottage on East Royal, usually with our family and other friends joining also. We have hosted golf outings, bachelorette parties, showers, reunions, anniversaries, and birthdays. We and our guests have extensively utilized many of the fantastic offerings that are available here at Canadian Lakes, especially the lakes, golf courses, trails, fitness center, and the Royal Grille.
A recent career change that accommodated me working from home has provided me an opportunity to spend more time here in Canadian Lakes. I did not anticipate what effect that living here would have on me. It has been far beyond my expectations. To be able to live (and work) while residing in a resort community is something that dreams are made of. I am thoroughly enjoying it! So are my family, friends, and dog, Missy.
The enjoyment and satisfaction that have come to our guests, relatives, and selves as a result of fully experiencing “The Good Life” is amazing! I have come to appreciate the slogan very much. I have come to appreciate the lifestyle that Canadian Lakes offers even more! It is truly a special place and community.
I am currently completing my second term as a member of the CLPOC Board of Directors. I serve as Vice President of the Executive committee and also serve on the Finance and Strategy committees. I am the Strategy Committee and Finance Committee liaison for the Community Planning Process Marketing Group.
My involvement with CLPOC has been both enlightening and rewarding. Enlightening in the fact that I have learned so much about all aspects of the community. Enlightening in the fact that I fully understand how the CLPOC operates. Enlightening in recognizing that we have a very dedicated and talented staff, including our general manager and department heads. Enlightening in recognizing and appreciating that we have a great group of talented members who are willing to provide time, expertise, leadership, and energy as volunteers for our CLPOC Board of Directors and subcommittees, the CLA, and other various committees and groups. We are very fortunate to have these resources and assets available to us.
My involvement with the CLPOC has also been rewarding. First and foremost, the opportunity to serve as a representative of our community on the CLPOC Board is an honor that I take very seriously. Serving on the Board has allowed me to interact with great people. Whether it is a staff member, director, member, our outside legal counsel, or our outside accountant, being on the Board has afforded me the opportunity to work with people who care, are dedicated and passionate, are talented, and have strong moral character, all in the best interest of the CLPOC. Extremely rewarding! It has also been rewarding to see the progress that we as a corporation have made during my tenure on the Board. As a corporation, we are currently on very sound footing.
So, what does the future hold for Canadian Lakes? My guess is that it holds great promise. I feel that Canadian Lakes is at a sort of transition point. A transition that is occurring naturally and somewhat unnaturally. Demographically, there is a shift in ownership underway in our community. Folks who have been here for decades (or since the early development) are transitioning out and making way for new folks to come to the community and enjoy the things that they and their families have enjoyed for years. This is a natural transition that provides for continuity of the well-being of the community.
There is also a transition or movement that could be considered unnatural but is proving to be a changing force in how work is performed today—namely, working from home. Although it took a pandemic to create and prompt the change, the utilization of remote conferencing for work has made living in a particular place a non-issue. Given the choice (and the opportunity), who would not want to be on a conference
call while looking past your monitor at the lake, golf course, or woods outside? The current supply, demand, and price levels of home sales reflect the increased desire for people to get their piece of “The Good Life.” Life and work balance is achieved—a good thing for sure.
What do we have to do to ensure that Canadian Lakes continues to thrive and be the type of resort-oriented community that we have all come to appreciate, utilize, and call home? That question is currently being worked on by two committees; the Lot Default Committee, and the Community Planning Process. Through the very hard work of the members on these committees, this fall the community will be presented with a comprehensive analysis that will provide a roadmap with options for many exciting initiatives that will be put forth to the membership for approval. These initiatives involve improvements and upgrades as well as prioritize the needs and wants of our community.
These are exciting times! Looking forward, with a vision and proper support, we can see great things for Canadian Lakes. It is our community. It is up to us to look out for its best interests. Keeping it robust, safe, thriving, and desirable is our responsibility. Being able to live “The Good Life” is our reward. Enjoy!
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Be a Director of the CLPOC Board
BY PAUL SZYMKOWICZ
Now is the time when the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation (CLPOC) begins the nomination process for new board directors. Each year three board members are elected to a threeyear term. Terms run with the calendar year, starting January 1. The CLPOC governing documents place only one requirement on the candidates: they must be members in good standing. Directors conduct the business of the CLPOC in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation. Directors are charged with performing activities to promote, enhance, and improve the value of CLPOC membership. Directors set the budget and financial plans and approve community architectural designs and strategic plans for the CLPOC. Each director shall attend one board workshop per month and one board meeting a month and participate in at least one board committee that meets monthly in most cases. Attendance is encouraged at all times, either in person or remotely. If you are a member in good standing and are considering becoming a CLPOC board director, you must obtain a nomination petition from the CLPOC office. The completed petition must be returned to the Nominating Committee by 4 p.m. on August 31. You are required to obtain at least 10 signatures of members in good standing on the petition and provide a 100-word-orless biography. This should give a brief description of your reasons for applying and your qualifications to become a board director. This will be published in The Canadian Laker for the membership to read. Your biography must also be emailed to the Nominating Committee in Word format when your petition is returned.
After your nomination is cleared and approved for the ballot, you will receive three questions to answer. This must be done in 350 words or less for all three questions. These questions and responses will be published for the members to read. You must also email your response to the Nominating Committee in Word format. A photo will be needed for this publication as well. Deadline is September 3, 2021. The “Meet the Candidates” forum will be held after the board meeting in September. At that time, members in attendance will ask you questions. These questions can be addressed to you as one or to the entire panel of candidates. This session will be live on the member website and saved for later viewing. In November, ballots are counted the morning of the CLPOC Annual Meeting. Election results are announced at the Annual Meeting of the Members that afternoon. Contact the Nominating Committee at clpocnominating@ gmail.com with questions. Committee members are: Nominating Committee Chairman Paul Szymkowicz, Jerry Juncker, and member-at-large Jo Alex. Direct all questions related to the nominating process to Paul Szymkowicz at clpocnominating@gmail.com.
