Life enriching Activities • Beauty/Barber shop services
Caring
Registered
Visiting
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024
Hello fellow Canadian Lakers! Welcome to the August/September issue of The Canadian Laker. Summer is in full force and we have had some amazing summer events. From the CLA Summer Picnic with nearly a thousand members coming and celebrating, to all the summer concerts with many different artists and bands highlighting their talent. Each event has been a hit and a great way to show off the closeness of the community and how fun it is to be in Canadian Lakes. This year’s firework show was amazing. It was great fun being able to watch from the boat with the people I love most. Everything I’ve been able to experience while being here has left me nothing short of amazed.
Inside this issue, you’ll be able to read many different articles from people all throughout the community. Learn more about Things to “C” in Six Lakes, an article written by Joyce Wilcox about a very interesting antiques and art store called the Intersection. Wondering about what’s been going on this summer with renovations and buildings? Check out Steve Wilcox’s article about everything that the Strategic Planning Committee has been working on to better the GOOD life here at Canadian Lakes. Hear more about our very own Mecosta County Optimist Club and about the recent essay contest they held for students to write about the topic “Who is an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in you?” And finally, read more about the Ladies Cup Matches between Canadian Lakes and Tullymore/St.Ives. These matches have been going on for 10 years and I can’t wait to see which team takes home the cup this year!
Melanie Wolf
Make sure to mark your calendars for any special events we have coming up within Canadian Lakes or the surrounding area. Enjoy the rest of your summer Canadian Lakers!
Photography by Melanie Wolf
Think Krapohl
When your vehicle needs attention, we get you back on the road
• Service Department — for the bigger things, such as engines, computer issues, brakes and air conditioning
• Quick Lane Tire & Auto — for the smaller things, like oil changes, belts, hoses and headlights, and with a lowest-price tire guarantee
• Body Shop — your partner between the collision and good-as-new.
• Reconditioning/Detailing — making your vehicle look fabulous, inside and out.
The area’s only locally owned, full-service dealership
For all your REAL ESTATE NEEDS, Contact Tom Garner Associate Broker 231-629-6006 tgarner.c21@gmail.com
$839,900
West Canadian Lakes Waterfront home. Spectacular views! Great beach area.
$249,900
Chalet in the woods - next to St Ives and near CL docking. Affordable home.
If you have considered selling your current property or looking to purchase something please let me know. I am well versed in all aspects of real estate with over 34 years serving Buyers and Sellers in Canadian Lakes and surrounding areas. NEW
$1,749,000
Canadian Lakes Waterfront Estate. Premier Property-Custom Bar. Putting green. Waterfalls. 2 beach and docking areas. Incredible outdoor living areas. A MUST SEE!! Price improvement
$64,900
Lake Isabella 6+ acre building site. Wooded rolling and secluded.
$140,000
Building site on 90th Ave. Paved Rd. Located new CL, Tri and School Section Lakes.
$409,900 Condo at the Birches – 4 Seasons room and full finished walk out.
$244,900
Newly renovated home in the country. 2 bed 2 bath with large 1 acre yard.
$39,900 3 acres in the country. Well and septic installed. Paved Rd.
$44,900 Far West Canadian Lakes Building site. Walk out potential.
$369,900 Home on the Royal Golf Course. Barrier Free! NO STEPS
$269,000 56 acres of great hunting 13 minutes from Canadian Lakes. Great building site.
$139,900
Sunset shores ranch home. Land lease community with clubhouse.
$29,900
Lake Laura building site. Cleared and awaits your new build project.
$1,250,000
Main Canadian Lake waterfront home. Spacious yard and outdoor living areas.
$399,900
Big John Brown waterfront Chalet. Incredible setting with panoramic views.
$149,900
Ranch home in Big Rapids. Affordable living and near FSU.
$19,900
St Ives Building site. Wooded with walk out potential. Great golf views.
Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content published in The Canadian Laker, the CLPOC cannot assume any responsibility for content, warranties, and representations made in advertisements herein. Advertisements or sponsor recognition appearing in The Canadian Laker is not an endorsement or recommendation of the advertiser’s product or service by the CLPOC. All warranties and representations made are solely those of the advertiser and any such claims regarding an ad’s content should be addressed directly to the individual advertiser.
CLPOC reserves the right to refuse publication of any editorial content, advertisement, or unsolicited material.
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 1 Oct/Nov – September 2 Dec/Jan – October 30
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
10690 Pierce Rd. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 Phone: 231-972-7651
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MEMBER SERVICES
Tara Schweitzer
Kathy Graham memberservices@clpoc.org
Thank You for another enjoyable and safe July 4th holiday. I trust all of you experienced the GOOD life! I hope that all of you enjoyed some of the holiday activities, 5K Run/Walk, Community Parade, Firecracker Open, Young Anglers Contest, CLA Summer Picnic, and Fireworks, all while living the GOOD life! This holiday time and prep work requires many volunteers. It also requires a lot of staff time and dedication. This led to all the amenities being in great condition. I personally want to thank everyone involved for all that you did to make this time such a success.
FINANCIAL
All amenities continue to perform well this season and are being well utilized. We are again seeing increased business at both the golf courses and restaurant, two of our primary revenue producing amenities. The Lakes, Campground, and Pools are also doing well and experiencing some increase. We appreciate your patronage of all the amenities.
LAKES
Our Lake manager continues to monitor our lakes bi-weekly to determine any appropriate actions required. Our goal is not to have weedless lakes but to manage our entire lake ecosystem to the best of our ability. So far this year, we have done a couple of herbicide treatments as well as a spot follow-up treatment. We have also harvested approximately 40 acres initially. The harvester is planning to return later in the season if necessary. The Truxor has been very busy and has already worked in many areas and will continue to do so throughout the season. Keeping in mind it can only operate in smaller bodies of water, in areas of close proximity to common areas, where travel time is not too long for harvested weeds to be brought ashore for dewatering. Thus far, the lake levels remain good. Periodic rains have helped maintain their level and we are hoping for the same over the remaining season.
PROJECTS
I hope some of you got to enjoy the freshly sifted beach sand from our recently purchased sand sifting equipment. Maybe some of you enjoyed the newly constructed beach cabanas. These are just a couple of great projects which the Board approved to continue to improve the community.
ADMINISTRATION
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. I always like to provide this reminder this time of year. Deed Restriction and rule enforcement are important. I do not know the exact reason some members choose not to follow our governing documents and refuse to comply when cited. We do have our restrictions and rules for the benefit of all members, and they are subject to every purchased property within the community. Please familiarize yourselves with your Deed Restrictions and CLPOC Rules. If you are currently not in compliance, please come into compliance. This way you will be able to avoid potential fines, suspension of membership, legal action, etc.
IN CLOSING
As we look forward to Labor Day on the horizon, our busy summer season is ending with cooler temperatures ahead. Some members will begin thinking about warmer destinations, some will be looking for their jackets and sweaters, and most kids will be protesting having to return to school. I hope each of you will enjoy what is left of summer. As always, please be safe and courteous as we all enjoy the GOOD life!
FALL TIME REMINDER
From the Board
Paul L. Szymkowicz
President pls.clpoc@gmail.com
The Fourth of July is behind us, and we all look forward to the rest of summer and finally Labor Day weekend. It has been a great start to summer in Canadian Lakes. The lake levels dropped to the point of having to turn on the two Lake of the Clouds pumps and fountains, but the main lake water levels were in great shape for the holiday weekend. To make things even better, the weed harvesters went out in force before the holiday. Over 450 acres of weeds were cut.
I had the opportunity to go out on the lake on Thursday, July 4th and the number of watercrafts on the lakes was amazing. No matter which direction you looked, you could see fireworks.
The Canadian Lakes Association (CLA) held their Annual Summer Picnic, and a good time was enjoyed by all. There were so many things to enjoy, from live music, hotdogs, balloon art, cotton candy, to a bounce house. People from all ages came out to celebrate. The CLA Summer Picnic is always one of the events that you do not want to miss, and this year was no exception. I would like to thank the CLA and all the volunteers that helped make the picnic such a success. Please
CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org
OFFICERS
President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com
Vice President Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com
Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com
Secretary Steve Brandt abrandtcl@gmail.com
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Dan Rice dozerrice1960@gmail.com
check your current Lite Lines for more information. If you have not yet joined the CLA, there is no better time to do so.
In my 50+ years as a Canadian Laker and eight years of being a CLPOC Director, I have never seen our community so busy. The Royal Grille was very busy and at times members and guests were waiting to be seated. The Campground was at capacity. All three of our golf courses were extremely busy. Members and guests flocked to the Outdoor Pool to enjoy the sun and the new outdoor pool furniture. The watercraft traffic was also very high throughout the holiday weekend. Reuther Music Pavilion is booked for the summer. Please join us for some live concerts, set up your chairs at Pierce Beach or enjoy the music by boat.
I would like to thank our General Manager, our department heads, our staff and employees, our great volunteers, and my fellow Directors that all contribute to making this process work. Please continue to support the effort that is being made to constantly improve the Canadian Lakes experience for us all.
As I traveled throughout our community over the holiday weekend, I was very disappointed to see the number of members that completely disregard our rules and deed restrictions. The Board of Directors work very hard to ensure that our rules and deed restrictions are followed to the best of their abilities and it was discouraging to see just how many members were in violation.
To those that think that the rules don’t apply to them or just think that they are better than everyone else, Get on Board. Become part of the solution not part of the problem. To the members that continually express your support to the CLPOC Board of Directors and our staff and employees, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Liberty Gray libertygray.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
• 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.
MEDICARE MADE CLEAR
Specializing in Medicare Supplements, Part C & Part D Licensed Michigan Agent 25 Years Turning 65 or retiring?
BETH BLOEDEL
Fraternal organization welcome to men and women to support the Eagles motto “People Helping
Bar Bingo Thursday nights at 6:00 pm
Special dinner events posted on Bu alo Aerie facebook page.
Queen of Hearts drawing every Saturday at 5:30 pm through 9/7/2024
Banquet room available for rent for up to 200 people.
Club supports local youth including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Little League, and various school sponsored events. Host site of Red Cross blood drives. 8/27/2024
Host Trunk or Treat for Halloween
Annual golf outing “Russ Streeter Memorial” Sept 14 open to the public.
Lindsay Halcomb Marketing Director lhalcomb@clpoc.org
Annual Summer Fest Success
WE JUST FINISHED our Fourth of July celebrations and what a great time for our members to be in Canadian Lakes. We had a blast watching the 5K Fun Run/Walk with around 130 participants, threw lots of candy and swag at the Community Parade, the CLA Annual Picnic was nothing short of a wonderful event, and ended our funfilled day with the CLPOC fireworks show.
We are a little sad that the Fourth of July has come and went but also a little bit excited that all the planning and preparations are over for this year. It takes many departments, volunteers, and staff to pull off the events offered in Canadian Lakes.
Under My Canadian Lakes you access your profile.
ADVERTISING
As mentioned, we rolled out some radio spots and digital ads in May which many of you have seen and heard. Those ads will continue through August and we will also host On Air Mike again. Mike has been the best public figure/ influencer we could have ever asked for. Mike and his wonderful family come and stay with us a couple of times a year and he shares all about his visits and adventures on social media. Mike has a great time when he stays in Canadian Lakes and I’d like to thank the members that recognize him and show his family the Canadian Lakes love & support! We all know and love Mike from Mojo In The Morning but he has some pretty big news he announced in late May.
This was shared from Mike’s Facebook page...he is now co-hosting his own show!!!
GET SOCIAL WITH CANADIAN LAKES
canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org
twitter.com/canadian_lakes
Instagram: canadianlakes_mi
“I am beyond excited to share that this Belding kid and his family are joining the 93.7 B-93 team and cohosting The B93 Morning Show with Aly Mac!! I am truly grateful and excited to take on this new adventure and build this show with her. I feel like I’m going back to my roots. I’m excited to meet all of the B93 listener family and will still be doing Middays on 104.5 WSNX. I’m not leaving, I’m just going down the hall. As I finish my final week on Mojo In The Morning I want to thank everyone who gave a guy from West Michigan a chance on the show. I want to thank my radio family on the show who has been there in good and bad times.” — On Air Mike
We are proud of you, Mike! Keep up the fantastic work and we can’t wait to see you and your wonderful family later this summer!
My department helps coordinate and manage the electronic side of our election each year. We are also in charge of preparing the layout of the paper ballot. There are many other moving parts and the election is not an easy task. In the past you could opt-in for online voting, which many people took advantage of and signed up electronically. This year we
are asking each member again if they would like to vote electronically in this election and going forward. If you do wish to vote electronically, please login to your members website and look up your interests. If you choose to vote electronically you will receive your ballot by email, If you do not, you will receive a paper ballot. See the photos within this article to locate your interests in your profile.
NIGHTS OF LIGHTS (NOL)
It feels weird to already be talking about NOL again...feels like we just finished with last year. After all the summer fun, activities, and events, my department will once again resurrect the NOL Committee. NOL takes a lot of work and a lot of volunteers to make sure it all runs smoothly. There will be much planning taking place over the next few months. Many logistics to cover with Facilities, Maintenance, and Safety from parking to capacity. I’m talking about planning Member’s Night, Festive Fridays, etc. We have a wonderful group of volunteers that will help plan these very popular and fun events. Stay tuned over the next few months for our plans and dates. NOL is a very exciting season for many of us, our families, and our guests. Be ready for another awesome season!
Within your profile you will see Property Interest, that is where you would select electronic voting and save.
Farewell to
OTOM CARRAVALLAH
BY CORA FOLEY, ASPIRING ARTISTS CLUB
n June 18, 2024 the Aspiring Artists Club held a farewell pizza party at the weekly club meeting in honor of Tom Carravallah. Tom is moving from his home in Canadian Lakes where he has lived for the past 23 years. Tom lost his wife a few years ago and was moving to be closer to his family downstate.
Tom attended almost every weekly Aspiring Artists Club meeting since our first meeting in January. He came to Canadian Lakes after retiring from his role as a sergeant with the Wayne County Sheriff ’s Department where he not only went on patrols, but also served as the sketch artist for the department.
At the Aspiring Artists Club meetings every Tuesday he worked in pencil doing both people and pet portraits. All of the artistic club members have been amazed by his ability to capture the essence of his subjects’ personality in his renderings, and how quickly yet meticulously he completed his drawings.
At his farewell party we enjoyed pizza, chips, homemade brownies (thanks Kay!), and had a very lively and enjoyable meeting. Mary Brecht created a special card for Tom with illustrations and notes added to it from many of his art club friends. Those in attendance gathered around him for a group photo:
Tom has already found an artist's group to join near his new home in Garden City, Michigan. Good luck Tom, you will be missed and we hope you will join us whenever you are back in the area.
Tom Carravallah with a few portraits in his portfolio and part of his Sorry You’re Leafing card created by the inspiration of Mary Brecht, watercolor artist, who collected leaf designs and personal notes from fellow artists.
From left to right seated are Nancy Peterson, Mary Brecht, Tom Carravallah, Mary Allen; Back row left to right are Pam Maxey, Lucia Zuzga, Cora Foley, Celeste McMillan, John Priebe, Kay Wejrowski, Georgette Willoughby.
CANADIAN LAKES
ASSOCIATION
I sincerely hope this summer is going fantastic for you and your family! Our CLA Board family is having another very productive year. I often think about my own family and how many hours a year we spend enjoying Canadian Lakes. Heck for that matter, how many hours I have spent in my lifetime enjoying Canadian Lakes ~ for a grand total of 55 years. First as a child with my parents who initially bought a lot in 1968 so my dad could deer hunt. In those days, all of Royal South was open to hunting. Dad, and later I, enjoyed hunting the edge of the Cedar Swamp along what is now hole #14 on The Royal Golf Course. I must say it was a lot more fun hunting that piece of ground than playing hole #14 now.
I have many great memories of my dad in the Royal South area. In later years, memories of playing golf in the early 90’s with my dad, and my two brothers, and we won the Oldsmobile Scramble together (which was a big deal back then). For those of you who are golfers, the next time you play hole 17, the bench that sits on the Red/Gold tee box is a memorial to my dad for an unforgettable moment he had on that hole.
Marsha and I would spend hours at the pools and beaches when our five kids were young, taking them to the Winter Carnival and Summer Picnic and going to see the fireworks at the Castle. Now, we have been able to enjoy all Canadian Lakes has to offer with our 13 grandchildren. A couple of our granddaughters are just starting to play golf. Several of them volunteer to work at our CLA events. When I was young, the CLA had not yet been formed. It was founded in 1975 and was referred to as “The Year-Round Club,” and then later in 1980 became the Canadian Lakes Association. Next year will be the CLA’s 50th Anniversary. So, save the date on Friday, July 25, 2025, for our blockbuster 50th Anniversary Bash! You won’t want to miss it! It would be hard to imagine what our community would look like without the Canadian Lakes Association and all the fun, entertaining, and educational events we provide throughout the year.
Our CLA Board is constantly searching for ways to better serve this great community. For example, you will want to save
Photography by Melanie Wolf
Photography by Melanie Wolf
This will be the second year our Canadian Lakes Camera Club will be there holding a silent auction of a few of their special prints and will be donating the proceeds to the Canadian Lakes Association. They are photos taken in Canadian Lakes throughout the past year. This is sure to be another great event for all of Canadian Lakes to enjoy and is free of charge. I’d also like to recognize Cook’s Tree Service for sponsoring our Ice Cream Social this year. Our Ice Cream Social is also a great time to COME JOIN THE FUN by becoming a CLA member. If you join at our Ice Cream Social, you will be a member for the remainder of 2024, as well as all of 2025...what a bargain! For just $30 you will get 17 months of CLA Membership. That’s 17 months of receiving our monthly newsletter which will keep you informed of everything going on in Canadian Lakes, 17
businesses information who support the CLA. So, when you’re in need of goods and services, you can choose a local business owner who supports our community. Again, you will receive all of this and more for only $30 for all your household members. I look forward to seeing you at our Ice Cream Social or at any of the events we have planned for the rest of the year. I hope you enjoy the remainder of summer and early fall.
Stay Healthy, Safe and Strong!
haroldwolf63@gmail.com
Photography by Melanie Wolf
Photography by Melanie Wolf
We are a lavender farm in Caledonia, Michigan, with store and bakery that people can visit. Open Year Round. Lavender season is mid June- July 1. Plenty to see with a gorgeous, quiet landscape and beautiful fl owers in bloom throughout the summer.
Xander the SUPER-SOFT, LAVENDER STUFFED BUNNY, (Buy one and we give one to a child in foster care!)
Strategic Planning For “The GOOD Life”
STEVE WILCOX, CLPOC VICE PRESIDENT, CHAIR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE DOCTORW.CLPOC@GMAIL.COM
The Strategic Planning Committee began a journey eighteen months ago that was busy, exciting, and rewarding. Our ultimate goal was to create the first Strategic Plan for the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation. On April 27, the Board of Directors approved “Strategic Plan 2024 and Beyond.” We would like to take you on the journey of how we got to this point and the accomplishments along the way.
We began by defining our Basic Components of a Strategic Plan. Our next steps were to create our Mission, Vision, and Overarching Goals. Our next step, and a very important one, was to create the Strategic Planning Prioritization Process. This process is dynamic in nature and allows this and all future Strategic Planning Committees to objectively score and prioritize all identified community projects. Finally, we completed “Strategic Plan 2024 and Beyond.” All of these Strategic Planning materials
1 BEACH SAND SIFTER
Several years ago, we engaged in a project of the replacement of beach sand on our main beaches. This piece of equipment will allow us to keep these rehabbed beaches in pristine condition.
2 HOLIDAY CHANNEL DREDGE
This project is still in the to-be-determined phase, but has been approved by the Board for implementation.
can be found on our members website, members. canadianlakes.org.
We would like to share with you the projects that have been approved, are in progress, and completed. The projects and their status are listed as follows:
1. Beach Sand Sifter – Completed
2. Holiday Channel Dredge – In progress TBD
3. Pavilions at Lake Laura, Pines Beach, and East Royal Marina – Completed
4. Improve Drainage on Royal Hole #2 – Completed
5. Skid Steer – Completed
6. Building Security Upgrades – Completed
7. NorthStar Accounting Software - Completed
8. Relocate Pines Pro Shop – In Progress
9. Royal Kitchen Air Upgrade – In Progress
Accompanying this article are pictures of several of the in-progress and completed projects. Let’s take a look at some of these projects that you may not be familiar with.
3 PAVILIONS AT LAKE LAURA, PINES BEACH, AND EAST ROYAL MARINA
In order to provide our members with an enjoyable experience, and at times an area to retreat from the sun or to have a picnic, these pavilions were provided.
Pierce Beach Pavilion
Sand Sifter Working on Lake Laura Beach
East Royal Marina Pavilion
Lake Laura Pavilion
4 IMPROVE DRAINAGE ON ROYAL HOLE #2
There has been a problem in recent years with flooding on this hole. This has now been eliminated.
5 SKID STEER
A skid steer, is a compact, multipurpose piece of construction equipment often used for digging. It is maneuverable, lightweight and its arms can attach to different tools for various construction and landscaping jobs. The purchased equipment was bought with a bucket attachment and a stump grinding attachment. This will allow maintenance to move loads of material and to grind stumps from trees removed on common property.
6 BUILDING SECURITY UPDATES
For years we have operated on a key based system for use by our sanctioned CLA groups. There were some who
abused this by making extra copies of the keys beyond what they were allotted. This caused numerous problems such as when there was damage to the facilities or times that items came up missing –we were unable to ascertain who was responsible. This became unmanageable and at times we had to have the building doors rekeyed at great expense. The new system provides electronic access and is controlled by Safety. We now know who is in the building each time it is opened and closed. We now have controlled access, which protects these resources for all who wish to use them.
7 NORTH STAR ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
This was a state-of-the-art “soup to nuts” internet accessed software system designed for the resort industry. It links all the amenities with the main office.
All modules (property, membership, restaurant, golf, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, etc.) are integrated and feed the back-office data needs. Highlights for the membership are the smart phone app which allows the members to book tee times online.
8 RELOCATE THE PINES PRO SHOP
The CLPOC Board in the year 2000 hired McKenna Associates, a community planning consulting firm, to provide its assessment of the Canadian Lakes (CL) property. That report contained several recommendations for improvement including, but not limited to, relocation of the Pines Pro Shop from the office building. Currently CL golfers must check in at the Pines Pro Shop and then move across Pierce Road to the golf course. McKenna believed that this was a safety issue and recommended relocation of the pro shop. Nothing has been done over the ensuing 24 years. During that period vehicle accidents have occurred but, fortunately, personal injuries have not. It was time for CLPOC to take action and move the Pro Shop to the south side of Pierce Road. The Board approved this project in April and it is expected this will be completed by the end of the season. Major preparation for construction is visible at the site of the relocated pro shop.
Drainage on Hole #2 at The Royal
The Castle Security Upgrade
Skid Steer
Alpine Haus Security Upgrade
9 ROYAL KITCHEN AIR CONDITIONING UPGRADE
Last summer during an excessively warm period we discovered that the current air conditioning was insufficient to provide an appropriate work environment for the kitchen staff. By the time you read this article, this project will most likely be completed. These and the other designated projects will continue to enhance the
GOOD life here in Canadian Lakes. Strategic Plan 2024 and Beyond represents our major culminating project to date. It is the roadmap for planning the future of our Corporation. The plan is built from our Vision and Mission and Overarching Goals. The Vision and Mission have provided focus for the staff, the Board of Directors, the standing committees, and our membership. Each year, we will conduct a comprehensive and candid
assessment of our current situation as well as our desired future state. Several critical areas requiring action over the planning period will be identified. Action plans are developed and commitments to the actions are secured. Strategic Plan 2024 and Beyond is our tool to focus planning and actions required to accomplish the critical improvements necessary to achieve our Vision and Mission. The plan is comprehensive, addresses a wide range of important issues including financial strategy, member amenities, facilities, the environment, communications, demographics, technology, business tools, and creates the pathway for the Corporation’s future. This planning process has served us well as we have identified and implemented important initiatives including projects that will enhance the enjoyment of our community for years to come. The Corporation’s financial strategies and plans are carefully integrated into our Strategic Plans each year. Our long-range planning process will assure our continued success.
Submitted on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee.
FOCUS ON
fishing
Dale Doepker
For questions about the Fishing Club or about fishing in Canadian Lakes, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.com or 231-972-8663
Lake Maps
Reminder that depth maps for all the Canadian Lakes are available online at canadianlakesmgmt. org, and in the kiosk at the CLPOC Main Office.
24th Annual Bass Tournament Results
TWENTY-TWO BOATS entered the Bass Tournament on Saturday, June 22 and fished from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The temperature was comfortable, but there was rain for a few hours. Overall winners with both largest bass at 4.96 pounds and 5 fish for 19.46 pounds, was the father and son team of Tom and Justin Courtright. The second largest bass at 4.90 pounds
was caught by Korey & Kyle Brew. Second for pounds of 5 fish was Lee & Lee at 17.53. Third was Gray & Gray at 16.15. Fourth was Johnson & Johnson with 15.57, and 5th was Ford & Ford with 14.81. A good time was had by all, except possibly the six teams which did not come to weigh-in. Thanks again to Jason Snyder for directing the tournament.
Winners of the Annual Bass Tournament
19th Annual Bullhead Tournament (Adults
& Youth)
Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3
FISHING BEGINS at 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 2 and ends at 1:00 a.m. Saturday, August 3, Fish on your own in any of the Canadian Lakes water bodies, shore fishing is usually best. The entry fee is $10/person, except youth 16 and under are free but are eligible for cash prizes. The weigh-in will be 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 3 at the Pines Pavilion. Twenty percent of the total collected will be used to cover cost of snacks and refreshments. Adult heaviest bullhead and the total weight of bullhead will each pay 30%. The youth heaviest and most total weight will each pay 10%. One award per person, tie breaker is heaviest in the other category.
All Canadian Lakes members, families and members’ house guests are welcome to participate. Fishermen can fish together but weigh-in is individual, so fish must be kept separate. Gear is restricted to MDNR fishing regulations: three rods and two hooks per rod. The minimum size is nine inches to qualify, so please release all smaller fish. Pack all fish on ice in a cooler for bringing to the weigh-in. This is a catch and keep tournament and all fish kept will be cleaned and cooked for the participants to enjoy. All fishermen are to bring in their fish, 9” and over regardless of number! Entries must be received by 4:00 p.m. on August 2. Mail or deliver names and money to Sue Glazier, 8339 West Royal, 231-679-1938. Checks should be made payable to Sue Glazier.
Bottled water, snack bags, and cooked fish will be provided for participants. Please bring your own refreshments and other food to share if desired. Youth 16 and under are especially encouraged to participate, as this is the easiest way for them to catch fish, see how easy they are to clean, plus they taste so good.
21st Annual Pike Tournament
Saturday, August 24, 2024
THIS EVENT is from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration deadline is 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 22. Canadian Lakes members, families, and house guests are eligible. Any number may be in a boat, but this is an individual tournament. Entry fee is $20 per angler, free for children 16 and under. The tournament begins with check-in meeting at 7:45 a.m. and ends with results submittal at 2:00 p.m., both at Pierce Beach on West Lake. Only artificial lures are allowed, one rod fished at a time for each angler with trolling permitted. All Canadian Lakes members are eligible. If you do not boat from Pierce Beach, you must still check-in at Pierce Beach and return there. All pike and muskies caught are to be measured, documented on a form provided, and released immediately. Photo evidence required for all fish over 24 inches. Bring your own refreshments. Pizza will be provided at 2 p.m. Cash prizes: longest pike/muskie, second longest, most total inches of pike/ muskie 24 inches and over, and most total pike/muskie any size. Prizes are limited to one per angler. Tournament director is ineligible for prizes. Submit $20 per angler and participant names to Jeff Abel, 9325 Edgewater Drive, 231-2871899 by August 22. Bulletins with full details are available on the CLA website or in the kiosk at the CLPOC Main Office.
Osprey Report
Our Canadian Lakes Osprey nest on Buchanan Road hatched two baby ospreys, who likely have left the nest by the time this is published. We have 16 total osprey nests in Mecosta County, and most of them hatch chicks each year. There are also six or more Bald Eagle nests in our county
Loon Update
We have two baby loons on Lake of the Clouds, one from the East Lake nest and one from the Far West Lake nest. The East Lake loons also frequent the Finger Lake and east end of the Main Lake. The Far West loons also frequent the West Lake and west end of the Main Lake. Please watch out for them and do not approach closer than 100 feet. If you are idle and they approach you, enjoy them but motor away slowly.
Remove Purple Loosestrife
Remove Purple Loosestrife, an invasive species which crowds out native plants. We encourage everyone to remove it, wherever you observe it growing near the lakeshore. Remove the roots, if possible, but even just removing the above ground plant will prevent it from spreading if you cover the top with a garbage bag before removing to prevent any seeds from falling on the ground. Bags of Purple Loosestrife can be safely disposed of along with any refuse going to a landfill.
Photography by Di Schwartz
MYS T ERIES
On patrol: Mecosta County Conservation Officer Angela Greenway
FBy Chris Zimmerman
or some strange reason, I’ll never forget the time my buddy, his chocolate lab, Duke, and I almost ran into an undercover federal fish & wildlife officer. As the story goes, it was a dark and stormy night in the east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The year was probably 1988 or ‘89. It was late October and we were hunting ducks in the reedy bays and shallow inlets downstream of Sault Ste Marie.
Quickly, my pal and I loaded the boat onto the trailer, and stowed our gear amidst a needle fine rain that pelted our hats and camouflage jackets. We jumped in the truck, buckled our seatbelts and turned on the windshield wipers. Duke looked on from the back seat of the truck. As we pulled away from the boat ramp, a dark sedan across the parking lot turned on its headlights and pulled into our path. Cursing, we tried to zoom around the vehicle but it pulled even further into our path. To our astonishment, a man jumped out of the driver’s seat, flashing a badge.
“Fish & Wildlife officer,” the man barked. “Put your vehicle in park and step outside. Both of you.”
Holy cow, I thought to myself. This guy means business. All three of us jumped out of the truck. Duke wandered off, but my pal and I showed the man our federal waterfowl stamps, the ducks we had shot, and the proper ammunition. It turned out to be a routine check, but that ten-minute delay made Duke mad. Before jumping back in the truck, Duke tinkled on the officer’s front tire.
It takes a special kind of person to be a conservation officer. Gotta be brave, and confident, and have a bit of ice water in your veins. Any time you’re dealing with the general public — who have firearms in their possession — you’re liable to run into some jerks from time to time.
Meet Angela Greenway, the DNR’s version of the Fish & Wildlife Officer described at the beginning of this story. Instead of Sault Ste Marie, Greenway lives in the area, patrols the area, and does her best to make sure everyone follows the rules when they’re taking part in recreational activities.
“I started out in the parks & recreation department in Ortonville,” Greenway said. “My first position was a gun range safety officer back in 1999. After several years I went into the DNR’s version of the police academy and graduated in 2002.”
Greenway says her time in the academy was quite intense — both physically and mentally. “It is a lot like the state police academy and just as arduous,” she said. “The academy lasts 23 weeks, followed by an 18-week field training program where we get to ride along with a conservation officer.”
Greenway said that she was one of two females in the program at the beginning. The other woman eventually
Angela Greenway
Angela Greenway
dropped out, as did seven men. What started out as a class of 25 candidates was winnowed to 17 graduates. For a long time — 13 years — Greenway was the only female officer to graduate.
As much as the job requires physical toughness and stamina on occasion, Greenway says that today’s Conservation Officers must be good at the “soft skills” when dealing with the public. Soft skills, of course, boil down to those intangible personality traits that are hard to describe. “We want DNR officers who have a firm handshake, eye contact, and the ability to think on their feet,” she said.
Greenway is one of two Conservation Officers in Mecosta County who work from their houses. They don’t have a set schedule, but that’s okay for Greenway. If she’s staking out a potential game violation, she’s not opposed to getting up early or staying late to make contact with the alleged perpetrator. Greenway responds to complaints submitted by the Report All Poaching hotline. Like any good law enforcement officer, Greenway makes contact with the person making the complaint in a prompt fashion. She takes notes, a recorded statement
perhaps, and then uses the tools necessary to pursue the alleged culprits.
When it comes to notable violations in the Canadian Lakes area, Greenway says she nabbed a fella who was shooting deer out of the sunroof of his automobile. No, the individual wasn’t using a firearm, but rather a crossbow.
With hunting seasons not far away, Greenway would like to remind sportsmen and women about two important items: the first is trespassing. “Whether you’re deer hunting, on an ORV, mushroom picking or trout fishing, we ask everyone to get permission from the landowner before setting foot on someone else’s property,” she said. “If you shoot a deer and it wanders off on someone else’s property, you still need permission from the landowner to retrieve it.”
With so much technology available to the public, it’s relatively easy to get ahold of property owners. Apps such as “On X” can be downloaded to a cell phone. It will show the user who a landowner is and where the property boundaries are. It’s really nifty. What’s more, you can “see” where you are in relation to public spaces
& private landowners, just by pulling up the app on a cell phone.
The second point worth mentioning according to Greenway, has to do with deer hunting. “It is illegal to use bait while hunting deer,” Greenway said. “This rule has been in effect for about eight years now and it is there for a reason.” Chronic wasting disease and other fatal ailments can be spread from one deer to another by nose-to-nose contact. By reducing the chances of deer getting in close proximity, baiting has been outlawed.
If you’re like me, you’re thankful knowing that law enforcement officers of all types are only a phone call away, even if it’s a dark and stormy night. With Angela Greenway at the ready, I’m even more thankful.
For game related offenses, the public is encouraged to call the Report All Poaching hotline at 800.292.7800. It’s available 24/7.
Chris Zimmerman is a Canadian Lakes resident, an independent insurance agent, and the author of six Michigan based novels.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2024 CUP TEAM
CANADIAN LAKES
Golfers are encouraged to play in and support the Canadian Lakes match play events to earn qualifying points for the Ladies Cup Team. The 2024 participation events are: Ladies Single Match Play Championship, Ladies Club Championship, Ladies Doubles Team Match play Championship, “Match Play Sixes.” Performance in the Monday Match Play League and the 18 hole women’s league are cup team “influencers.”
TULLYMORE/ST. IVES
Golfers receive points to become a member of the Ladies Cup Team. Individuals are eligible to receive participation points (15 points per event) and tournament points (varying amounts) for placing in each of their match play and stroke play events.
• The 9 players with the most points after the Club Championship qualify for the Cup Team
• The Ladies Club Champion, Individual Match Play Champion and 1 Capt’s pick qualify.
Shirts, lunches, snack bags, cheers, tears, frustration and fun not to mention two great days of golf challenges make up the Ladies Cup Tournament. This is the 11th year of The Cup. We all look forward to playing and competing and have a desire to win for our team and club. Do come and enjoy the competitive setting and spirited event. The players who represent both clubs appreciate your support.
Hope to see you on September 4th (Royal) and September 5th (Tullymore). The women start play both days at 10 a.m. We invite anyone to come and watch!
Ladies Cup Matches
COMPETITIVE LADIES GOLF FOR THE WOMEN of Canadian Lakes and Tullymore/ St.Ives began in 2011 under the direction of Carolyn Allingham. We had 40 players that year and drew for places on mixed teams of players from each club. There were 20 women on the Blue Team and 20 on the Red Team. We competed on both courses over a two-day period and certainly enjoyed meeting and golfing with many of our neighbors and friends.
The Ladies Cup Matches began in 2014. Each club had 12 players and the winning team got to display “The Cup” for one year. It was decided that if the competition ended in a tie, the cup would remain where it was currently housed. The professional staff at each club serve as rule advisors, instructional consultants, as well as schedulers, and supporter for the team players. They are also the Rules Officials for the Ladies Cup event.
The Ladies Cup is a friendly two-day competitive match play tournament w/ handicap between two neighboring golf clubs. It features two-person, 9-hole matches and each day features two formats of play. The first day is two-person Better Ball & Alternate Shot, and the second day is two-person Scramble & Single Matches. We alternate host clubs and look forward to the competition between the teams.
Every year we play both courses in our tournament. Each club fields a 12-person player team with 2 alternates and a non-playing captain/advisor for a total of 15 women. The handicap limit is 40. As our community continues to grow and welcomes more golfers, interest in this event has increased. We began with a draw for players and have moved to a selection process to identify the strongest players in Match Play events. Check out the qualifying procedure.
History of The Cup Results
2014 18 - 12 Canadian Lakes
2015 151/2-141/2 Tullymore
2016 15 - 15 Remained at Tullymore
2017 161/2-131/2 Tullymore
2018 151/2-141/2 Tullymore
2019 191/2-101/2 Canadian Lakes
2020 161/2-131/2 Tullymore
2021 16 - 14 Tullymore
2022 15 - 15 Remained at Tullymore
2023 16 - 14 Canadian Lakes
Joyce's Choices
BOOKS FOR THE BEACH
BY JOYCE B. WILCOX
Get ready to load up that beach bag, dear readers, because I’ve found the perfect combination of books for your trip to the beach! These novels will not only entertain you, they’ll either tug at your heart, make you hang onto your beach hat, scratch your head in wonder, or cause the people on the adjacent beach towels to wonder why you’re laughing or crying. With more choices than the list of new 2024 potato chips offered by Lays (4), I’m offering you the following smorgasbord of genres: historical fiction, contemporary romance, suspense thriller, domestic fiction, and cozy mystery. Bet you can’t read just one!
The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff
While perusing the Morton Township Public Library for a novel for this end of summer Canadian Laker issue, I stumbled upon this incredible story. The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach is a well-written, well-paced, and well-researched book which captured my heart. Author Pam Jenoff’s ingenious decision to write this novel in the first person immediately positions her readers in the center of the storyline and compels them to devour and embrace each page. This historical romance takes place on two continents and spans the romantic and tragic summers of June, 1941 through August, 1944. Yes, Joyce has somehow managed to succumb to the enticement of yet another WWII novel which she wishes to share with you.
The prologue begins in 1944 with Adelia driving along the New Jersey coastline, where she spent part of her childhood. Having recently returned to the United States, she’s soon flooded with bitter-sweet memories of both America and abroad, which serve to tease the reader. The prologue ends with Adelia thinking aloud, “My nightmares have returned again, the surest sign that I am home.”
In 1941, since most of Europe was no longer safe for anyone Jewish, and in order to save their only child’s life, Adelia’s parents book her passage aboard a crowded ship out of war-torn Italy. She is sent alone to live with her American aunt and uncle and she spends her first adolescent summer at the New Jersey seaside. It’s there that she befriends the rowdy and energetic four Irish Catholic
Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox
boys living in the adjacent cottage with their parents. Charlie, the oldest boy, catches her eye and an adolescent crush ensues. The relationship with all four of the boys blossoms when school starts that fall and Adelia experiences the cruel life as an outsider in a new classroom. Fast forward and America is at war, tragedy strikes at home and abroad, and Adelia works at a newspaper in London covering the world events. Nothing is the same and everything is the same. Fears are conquered and new fears are created. Love is found and love is lost. And the epilogue concludes with Adelia thinking aloud, “Only then do I allow myself to be lifted into his arms.”
It’s difficult to believe that it took Pam Jenoff thirty-nine rejection letters and over five years to finally publish her first novel, The Kommandant’s Girl, in 2007. Since then this extraordinary writer has written over a dozen acclaimed books, so it’s even more personally troubling that it took me another ten years to sample her writing. But I finally did Pam-pamper myself in 2017 with The Orphan’s Tale. And I am on my way to making up for this Jenoff novel oversight by having relished The Lost Girls of Paris, The Winter Guest, and most recently, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach.
The Best Is Yet to Come by
Debbie Macomber
If you’re looking for a handheld, heartfelt, downhome contemporary romance novel, then The Best Is Yet to Come is for you and lives up to its name. Taking place in the state of Washington, it would seem that the village of Oceanside is more than just a relatively small, charming, and Hallmarkesque community. It’s also the perfect environment to help ease personal loss, rehabilitate physical injuries, overcome obstacles, as well as attempt to mend broken hearts.
Apparently, all of these things are especially true if you’re a returning, wounded army soldier suffering from PTSD and self-medicating with alcohol, and facing sentencing in court after a
drunken brawl. Oceanside is also an ideal location for a lonely California history teacher raised by her grandparents and now looking to relocate after recently losing her only family member, her twin brother. Paths cross at an Oceanside animal shelter where both characters are seeking their own solace while interacting with some soulful service pups. While family, townsfolk, and students are busy assisting, complicating, and interfering in their lives, the two work to overcome the pain of their pasts.
The book’s title, The Best Is Yet to Come, is not only appropriate for this book, it pretty much summarizes the author’s life. Debbie Macomber has been a published author since the early 1980’s when she wrote her first novel on a rented typewriter at the kitchen table while raising her houseful of children in her mid-thirties. She’s a remarkable storyteller who was determined to be heard even though she struggled in school and didn’t learn to read until the age of ten when she overcame her dyslexia. I discovered that since 1983, Macomber has written more than 150 fiction novels and has received multiple awards. Her romance novels, like a good Hallmark storyline, always have strong female characters, plots which flow well, and endings which leave you with a warm smile. That’s when the light bulb went on and I checked: Surprise, surprise! At least seven of Macomber’s novels have been made into Hallmark movies. So, if it’s a schmaltzy, end of summer romance novel you’re looking for, it looks like The Best Is Yet to Come.
The Edge by David Baldacci
True to its title, The Edge manages to bring booklovers to the brink of their seats and characters to the rim of the cliffs of Maine’s rocky coastline, especially with its gripping prose and spot-on pacing. David Baldacci manages to combine his mastery of crisp, pithy dialogue, with just the right amount of intermittent narration into chapters averaging less than five pages in order to bring you this suspenseful thriller. And since there are so many undeniably captivating novels of his from which to select, I’ve adopted the adage, “When in doubt, read Baldacci.”
Chapter one teases your imagination and captures your attention with a harrowing train ride through Europe with mounting tension, a flight-fight-or-freeze military hand-to-hand combat scene, and just enough what-ifs to keep you glued to your reading. As you descend down the pathway of the exciting subsequent chapters you’re treated to the inner workings of ExArmy Ranger Travis Devine’s mind as he answers the U.S. government’s call for help. It seems a CIA operative has been murdered in Maine and the security of state secrets is in jeopardy with her death, as well as her missing laptop and phone.
Devine must use his specialized military training and keen analytical skills to solve the murder as quickly as possible and also retrieve the missing information. No one knows whom to trust, and as Devine immerses into the small town atmosphere of Potter Maine, he’s assisted and hindered by residents with secrets, lies, and agendas of their own. With danger around every corner, Devine must sort through their stories, deflect their attacks, and uncover the criminals.
The villains, however, are devious, dangerous, and determined. Of course, so is Devine, and he’ll take you to The Edge as he tries to uncover the truth.
It All Comes Down to This by Therese Anne Fowler
The three Geller girls, Beck, Claire, and Sophie, were all raised together in Manhattan by their parents, but grew up spending their summers at the family cottage on Mount Desert Island, Maine. These three are about as different as mismatched orphaned socks left in a dryer with their only common thread in middle age being their love for
their widowed mother, Marti. The story begins with Beck, the oldest sister, having a complicated, troubled marriage and working as a freelance journalist. Claire is an accomplished pediatric cardiologist married to one man while she has a secret, unrequited love for another. And Sophie is the free-spirited, single, youngest sister immersed in arranging logistics within the world of art that’s filled with celebrities, fashion, travel, and sex. All components of domestic fiction at its very best!
The daughters’ personal lives, professions, and financial problems are all poles apart when their mother passes and her wishes are that they liquidate her estate. This leaves Marti’s three daughters to find a way to reconcile their lives and relationships, as well as sell the cottage and split the proceeds. Add a few inquisitive neighbors, a potential mysterious buyer for the cottage, and various problems with some romantic involvements, and the author keeps her readers engaged and this compelling story moving along.
Therese Anne Fowler’s book caught my eye at the Morton Township Public Library for three reasons. The first reason I noticed it was because I remembered that this same author wrote Z, a fascinating biographical historical novel about Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of famous author, F. Scott Fitzgerald. The second reason I selected It All Comes Down to This was after I discovered that the story centered on the complicated relationship between three very different sisters, a storyline I could relate to personally. Reason number three was that I was in search of an interesting novel with a summer setting and Fowler had centered her characters in a seasonal cottage in Maine. When you add it all up, It All Comes Down to This: 1 talented author + 1 compelling plot with intriguing characters + the charm of 1 quaint cottage setting = a good summer read in my book.
Wild Irish Rose
by Rhys Bowen & Clare Broyles
Get ready to curl up with a cozy historical mystery by a delightfully witty motherdaughter duo of writers for their eighteenth novel in the Molly Murphy Mystery Series, Wild Irish Rose. Rhys
Bowen and her daughter, Clare Broyles, are the perfect combination of writers to deliver some Irish charm, plucky characters, and a bit of tongue-in-cheekCarol-Burnett-dramatic-antics. Set in 1907 New York, these authors tackle the social issues of the day with a total comprehension of the era and with the warmth of lighthearted humor.
Having left Ireland, her detective career,
and many memories behind, Molly Murphy Sullivan is looking forward to a more serene lifestyle in New York. The chaos and danger of her past is being replaced with her life as an early 1900’s housewife caring for her husband, young son, and her rescued Irish ward. There are also her demanding in-laws, several eccentric friends, and New York society to occupy her time. Ah, but cooking,
cleaning, and afternoon teas aren’t the only undertakings on her horizon. Molly’s husband is a NYPD officer and apparently Molly can’t resist reviving her detective instincts, stepping in, and nosing around where she shouldn’t be.
When a crime occurs on Ellis Island on the same day that Molly is working there with some charity friends distributing clothing to immigrants, the plot thickens. A man is found murdered in a storage closet and the lead suspect bares a remarkable resemblance to Molly. She not only works to clear her own name, she relates to the suspect’s immigration circumstances and feels compelled to assist in proving her innocence. Of course, Molly’s husband, in-laws, and society object to her interference, but Molly is Molly and the authors are Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, so the murder mayhem begins. And so does the reader’s enjoyment. So whether you’ve brought your pail and shovel to the beach or not, I suggest you dig in and read these Books for the Beach!
“WMecosta County Optimist Club
THE OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL MISSON IS: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves. The Mecosta County Optimist Club was chartered in August of 2021. The 22 members have been very busy since then.
One of the most enjoyable things optimist clubs do is have an essay contest for students. We asked, “Who is an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in you?”
One entry by Cailin Knoop encompassed the spirit and values of what it means to have an Optimist in her life, and the effect they have on other lives. Here’s her inspiring essay:
Cailin Knoop-Reed City
(BIG RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL)
hen considering who my everyday hero is, my first thought was to try and be original. It’s easy to choose to discuss a parent, or an aunt or uncle, or a grandparent. Of course that’d be common, because those are the people everyone interacts with the most. I wanted to come up with someone who would break this trend, so I thought far and wide for an individual who doesn’t fit one of these categories, and yet still has a large positive influence on me. But I realized that no matter who I thought of, when I compared them to my mom, nobody even came close.
My mom is without a doubt the individual who is there for me every day, whom I look up to, and who can always make me feel optimistic. To begin, I think it’s best to start with the quality that brings out the optimism in me the most: her mindset. My dad and I are both naturally anxious and we overthink things; it’s just how we’re wired. My mom is the factor that combats this; she never “sweats the small stuff,” ever. She doesn’t care what other people think, and I value the kind of perspective she has. For example, say you just bought a pair of expensive pants and you’re worried about putting grass stains in them. She’d
nonchalantly tell you to have fun, because it’s just money. Say you’re in the mood for ice cream, but you only have one bowl left and you want to save it; she’d tell you to enjoy it because the store makes more. Again, say you’re stuck behind someone on the road driving incredibly slow and you want to pull your hair out; she’d say that they’re trying to teach you patience, and they’re keeping you safe. My point is that she has such a positive and composed way of thinking, it’s hard to get worried about silly, worldly things when you’re around her. I love and need that.
My mom also has taught me to have very strong values, and it’s helped me to become a good person. She doesn’t think like other people do, and she’s not ashamed of it. For example, at church, there’s a piece of paper that gets passed around and everyone signs it, to show that they were in attendance. When it gets to her, my mom always passes it along without writing her name down. When people ask her why, she says “God knows I’m here.” If she sees something she thinks is foolish, my mom has no qualms breaking social norms. She certainly doesn’t get intimidated by other people, or ever feel ashamed. She shows up to my softball games in the spring wearing so many layers of clothes that you can barely tell who she is, other than the fact everyone knows it’s her because she’s
the only one smart enough to come prepared. Her famous saying is “Only the stupid suffer.” So, what if you look like an Eskimo? You are going to be warm.” I’m so thankful to have a person like her in my life who has that varying attitude; otherwise, I might go with the more natural, timid way of thinking.
Not only does my mom have a strong, independent personality, but she is also one of the kindest people I know. She’s a foster care supervisor, and she throws Halloween and Christmas parties for her foster families at our house. Oftentimes she is known to give away my things to kids who need them more (which I no longer get upset about). Whenever we have a guest, she pulls out all the stops. She’ll wash the sheets on my bed every single time my best friend comes over, even though she’s spent the night at my house a hundred times before. She’ll bake fresh chocolate chip cookies or homemade brownies if someone wants it. She never lets a guest pay for anything and is utterly selfless. There’s nothing she won’t do to make someone feel comfortable and spoiled, and I don’t know how she always has the energy to do it. She gives every child love as if they were her own. I’m an only child, and it often makes me remorseful to think that she didn’t have more kids, because she’s such a great mom. I am lucky that I’ve been loved by such an optimistic person. My mom is confident, independent, kind, hard-working, intelligent, and truly unique. She carries an aura around her that makes others feel comfortable, valued, and lucky when they’re in it. Most of all, she can lift the negativity of the world from my shoulders by overloading me with her love and support; there is no other everyday hero as amazing as my mom.”
THIS CONTEST AND MANY other activities are not possible without the help of the great people of Canadian Lakes.
Mark your calendar – December 5, 2024, for our 4th Annual Flannel and Frost! Last December we held a fundraising cocktail party that raised over $6,000. We are hoping to do as well again this year. The cost is $20 per person which includes beverages (including beer and wine) and appetizers. There are 50/50 drawing and silent auction items for you to bid on. Watch local newsletters for ticket information. Tickets will also be sold at Hixson’s Family Market on select Saturdays in November and December.
Lastly, this positive minded group needs help with continuing their good work. We invite you to attend one of our gatherings to find out more about this club, as well as Michigan District Optimists and Optimist International.
Join us the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Alpine Haus at 6 p.m. Contact President Michelle Kauffold at 313.510.6300 or email her at newmichelle@att.net for any questions.
Cailin and her mother
Roger Stobert
Mobile Watch Coordinator
231-288-0148 spankky@charter.net
2024 Annual Mobile Watch Appreciation Picnic & Golf Outing
THE ANNUAL MOBILE Watch Picnic & Golf Outing are events that allow the community to show its appreciation for all the Mobile Watch volunteers. The Mobile Watch performs daily patrols of Canadian Lakes, helping stranded and lost residents and visitors, watching for suspicious activities and safety violations like leaf burning, and helping Canadian Lakes Safety control traffic during the Independence Day Parade, fireworks display, CLA Winter Carnival and Summer Picnic, and other large-crowd events. These events are sponsored by local businesses, the CLA, and the CLPOC.
The Mobile Watch Annual Picnic will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Castle beginning about 4:30 p.m. All current Mobile Watch volunteers, Canadian Lakes Safety employees, and their spouses/significant others are welcome and should mark the date.
Attendees should bring a place setting and beverages. Alcoholic beverages are absolutely prohibited from being brought into the Castle. Violations could affect the Castle liquor license. Chicken and salads, etc., will be provided. Attendees, please inform your Area Captain if you plan to attend and how many will be joining you.
The Mobile Watch Annual Golf Outing will be held at The Pines Golf Course on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, beginning with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Like previous outings, some interesting and fun surprises await the players on various holes. All current Mobile Watch volunteers, Canadian Lakes Safety employees, and their spouses/significant others are eligible to participate. Contact Roger Stobert, 231-288-0148 or spankky@charter.net (preferred) if you plan to play.
Want to join in on the Mobile Watch appreciation activities but not a member? Contact Roger Stobert, 231-288-0148 or spankky@charter.net, if you want to join or have any questions related to the Mobile Watch.
Mobile Watch Picnic 2023
Roger Stobert (MW) & Harold Wolf (CLA)
Things to “C” in Six Lakes
BY JOYCE B. WILCOX
Creativity
The moment you park your car and approach this remarkable shop you realize that you’re in for a sensory overload experience of the creative-artistic variety. With the elaborate façade of the entry to this building lovingly sprinkled with three-dimensional bits of porcelain, glass, stone, and pottery, it magically draws you in like a magnet. Of course, there are also antiques peppering the entrance and peeks of more to come residing just inside the glass front doors. And with a gem of a shop like this located at the corner of W. Bridge and N. Clark in Six Lakes, Michigan, you also know it’s appropriately named ‘The Intersection’ and you’re in for a treat at this union of art and antiques.
Upon entering the shop you’re greeted by a multitude of ornate display cases, quaint shelving, and refurbished tables all of which are exhibiting eye-catching antiques and one-of-a-kind works of art. Of course, you’re also greeted by shop proprietor and artist-in-residence, Inge Sturm.
“I’ve been at this location since 1990 and have tried to offer my customers items I would enjoy. I’ve been told that I have an eye for collecting,” Sturm said.
You can see the time, effort, and talent in her displays of antiques, as well as her many works of art. Besides having a natural artistic talent, Sturm has taken classes at Montcalm Community College to enhance her technique. Her creative glass pieces are all part of her one-womancompany, Glaswerk, which specializes in custom residential and commercial stained glass for doors, windows, entryways, and cabinets. While many of
these pieces are on display throughout her store, Sturm also has several photo albums filled with her works of art to help clients select something special to suit their individual needs.
Sturm has the capability of seeing beyond an object and into the future for possibilities of what it can become.
Working with a variety of materials, she’s able to individualize her clients’ requests. She’s created everything from elaborate inset game tables, to stained glass church windows, to epoxy-coated jewelry-covered coffee tables, to bejeweled jewelry boxes, to decorated serving trays and mirrors. Another example of her creativity is her extensive display of handmade jewelry created from glass, porcelain, gemstones, small antique pieces, and pretty much anything else to suit her clients’ needs.
“I used to make pins out of china,” Sturm said. “I once made pins for a woman who had a beautiful bowl she inherited from her mother and I created striking heirloom pins out of pieces of this porcelain for each female member of her family.”
With her workspace conveniently located out of sight but still within the shop, Sturm is able to continue her creativity between customers when there are lulls in foot traffic. As to what motivates her work or sparks her creativity, Sturm replied, “My fool
head. I have endless ideas and I just love creating.” This all brings us to the next C in this feature article because in Sturm’s repurposing world, in order to create, you must also collect.
Collections
And collect she surely does! Everything is meticulously displayed and cared for in charming corners, nooks and crannies which house appropriate shelving. There is more of a sense of walking through a museum than a store. While Sturm has a large inventory, for some reason, I never felt crowded as I took my tour. She has taken great care to lend her artistic talents to not only the content of her booths, but to the creative ways items are featured.
“I love setting up displays and rearranging things,” Sturm said. “And that’s a good thing, too, because in a shop like this you’re always changing things around when items are sold.”
Besides the afore-mentioned jewelry, tables, and mirrors, there are endless displays of cups and saucers, creamers and sugar bowls, books and bookends, desks and chairs, tablecloths and napkins, and let’s not forget the hats and shoes. There are items of clothing for everyone and their aunt or uncle, too. Old tools, train sets, clocks, bottles, and jugs have also found their temporary homes at The Intersection as well. Did I mention she also has record albums, CDs, cassette tapes, telephones, record players, fans, photographs, frames, lamps, and lanterns?
“I do very few consignments. Most of my inventory comes from estate sales, auctions, or yard sales. This allows me to best feature what is displayed in my store,” Sturm said.
Are you in need of any china, tea services, silverware, old tabletop kitchen appliances, baskets, and plate or figurine collections? There are even items for the grandchildren with displays of oldfashioned cars, dolls, games, and toys. I’m sure there are many more items which I’ve inadvertently omitted, but for personal reasons I definitely wanted to make sure that I advised you that she also has a lovely collection of antique books.
Intersection Entrance
Even with all of these delightful items listed and displayed throughout the store, if you asked any of her friends or fellow merchants what Sturm collects, no one would say art or antiques. They would say that she collects people. And that, dear friends, is what leads us to the third C in this article: camaraderie.
Camaraderie
Since I have been to The Intersection many times through the years, I knew that for the purpose of this prearranged interview, I’d be asked to take a seat at the small banquet table with the floral vase centerpiece located just behind the service desk. I also knew that I‘d be offered a cup of tea, a friendly smile, and an opportunity to sit and chat in a relaxed nook that afternoon. It seems that any time I’d visited the store sporadically through the year I was either witness to others enjoying a cup of tea or I was offered one. Apparently, the only qualifier for said cup of tea was that there’d be space at the table. Antique purchases were optional, smiles appreciated.
Even though I had scheduled an appointment, I knew that Sturm would only be available to speak with me between her customers, which was fine with me. This would give me time to browse through her photo albums highlighting her many artistic creations and also to observe her interacting with clients. I’m here to report that everyone received a warm welcome and there seemed to be a constant flow of customers and fellow local business owners stopping by to say hello.
That afternoon I learned from other merchants that not only did Sturm hire many locals, but that she was both a friend and therapist to many. She was known by others to lend an ear and
a hand whenever needed and didn’t hesitate to do something to support Six Lakes. On Wednesdays you’ll find a group of women at the same table where I was seated. The only difference being that they would come with their crafts sprawled out before them as they would either embroider, knit, do macramé, or paint as they sipped their coffee or tea and enjoyed each other’s company. Yes, Sturm can usually be found among them.
And if crafting isn’t your thing, “Every Friday morning the neighborhood ladies come and enjoy coffee, a sweet treat, and we just sit and talk,” Sturm said. “It gives us the chance to catch up with each other
and see how our businesses are doing.”
And even though I’d give The Intersection in Six Lakes an A+ rating, this brings us to our fourth and final C of this article, dear reader, and that’s the conclusion.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re looking for a piece of art for your home, an antique to add to your collection, or a good friend to chat with, I’m here to steer you straight to The Intersection at 101 Bridge Street in Six Lakes, Michigan. The hours are W-F 10:005:00 p.m. and Saturdays 11:00-3:00 p.m. Proprietor: Inge Sturm 989.365.3506.
Kristin Wilcox Safety Director kwilcox@clpoc.org
WHAT A GREAT SUMMER SEASON! I have to say we have had a great summer season here in Canadian Lakes, you as members have done a great job of making sure that your friends and family members know and follow our rules this summer. You have done a wonderful job of making sure that your guests have the appropriate passes for both the amenities and their vehicles, my hat is off to you all!
Now as we begin the transition to the cooler months here in Canadian lakes the summer fun vehicles will need to come off the lakes. The main boat ramp will be staffed on Fridays and Sundays from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., weather and staffing dependent, through mid-October. It will be available by appointment at any other time by contacting Safety at 231.972.8555 or 231.629.2717. Please be patient and allow for at least 30 min to an hour. The boat ramp at Lake of the Clouds closes Labor Day and will only be available by calling Safety 30 min to an hour in advance.
Reminder – For those that will be leaving the area for the colder months, Winter Watch forms must be filled out every year, they do not carry over from year-to-year. Please make sure that your watchman thermostat is not plugged into an outside wall outlet, or into an extension cord as it can cause false alarms. Monitoring is only a free program. There is also a winter walk-around program for a fee. Be advised that if you place a red light in your home and DO NOT fill out a Winter Watch form you will not be contacted during the season. If you have someone that checks on your home and you do not
fill out the form, we will not know how to contact that person.
PLEASE – fill out your Winter Watch forms! They can be found on the members website only, under (governing> documents> online forms). You can submit it via email to Member Services, mail it in, or drop it off at the CLPOC Main Office.
Reminder – ABSOLUTELY NO ORVs, snowmobiles, or other motorized vehicles are permitted on ANY golf course or common area. This includes the new walking trail and the hills around the Castle, Highland Haus, and Alpine Haus and other common spaces throughout the community. The “existing trails” were created over the years by riders without permission. This has caused extensive erosion to the hillside and common property. These “existing trails” cause issues with dust, and property damage when ORV’s and other vehicles transit them at high rates of speed. Within the Canadian Lakes Community, ORVs and snowmobiles may only be operated on the road edge as far right as possible, or on the frozen lake surface. Golfcarts are not permitted on ANY county road, this includes Pierce Rd, Buchanan Rd, 100th, 110th and 7 Mile.
Any person aged 12-15 years’ operating an ORV, trail bike, golf cart, etc. on any CLPOC-owned road edge or frozen lake surface, must have an ORV certificate and be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Anyone under the age of 12 is not permitted to operate any type of motor vehicle on CLPOC-owned property. All ORVs and snowmobiles are required to be registered with the CLPOC Main Office and are required to visibly display the CLPOC registration sticker.
As always, we on the Safety Team wish 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!
Be a Director of the CLPOC Board
SUBMITTED BY THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
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 three-year 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 CLPOC Board Workshop per month, one CLPOC Board Meeting per month, and participate in at least one CLPOC Board Committee, committees meet 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 Main Office. The completed petition must be returned to the Nominating Committee by 3 p.m. on August 31, 2024. You are required to obtain at least 10 signatures of members in good standing on the petition and provide a 100-word or less biography. This should
give a brief description of your reasons for applying and your qualifications to become a CLPOC 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 (photo deadline is 9/6/24), please email your photos to thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.
The “Meet the Candidates” forum will be held after the September CLPOC Board Meeting (9/28/24). 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 members website and saved for later viewing.
In November, ballots are counted on the morning of the CLPOC Annual Meeting (11/16/24). Election results are announced at the Annual Meeting of the Members later that afternoon. Contact the Nominating Committee at clpocnominating@gmail. com with any questions you might have.
Roger Stobert
Volunteer Yard Waste Coordinator
231-288-0148
spankky@charter.net
Canadian Lakes Yard Waste Information
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 free of charge. Canadian Lakes Yard Waste is located on the south side of Pierce Road between 110th Ave. and Tullymore Dr. Canadian Lakes Yard Waste is OPEN every Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m. –4 p.m., April through November 27, 2024. Access at other times is not available. Items allowed to be brought to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste include tree and shrub branches and limbs less than 4” diameter (on the east side) and plantbased materials normally associated with residential yard maintenance such
LAW OFFICES
KEY BENEFITS OF ELDER L
as grass clippings, leaves, and discarded mulch (on the west side).
To gain access you will need a current CLPOC ID, vehicle sticker, or guest pass. Contractors doing yard maintenance for members may also use the facilities, but they must provide the CLPOC ID, guest pass, or the lot number and members name to gain access.
Items NOT allowed to be left at Canadian Lakes Yard Waste include household trash, including organic wastes like rinds, peels, cores, etc., campfire ashes, and yard waste containers whether biodegradable or not.
Please dump your yard waste as far from the access road and preferably on top or behind previously deposited waste. This helps to maximize the amount of yard waste that can be accommodated before the need for costly waste push backs.
When entering the site, please SLOW DOWN! This is not only for the safety of those using the site and the attendants, but also to minimize the dust created. If you see dust behind you, you’re going too fast! 5 mph maximum!
Wood chips may also be obtained by CLPOC members on an as-available basis. These wood chips, when available, are located at the far southwest corner of the facility.
SERVICES
Thanks to all the dedicated Yard Waste Attendants who volunteer their time to ensure this facility is only used by those authorized and that the rules are followed.
Should you have any questions the friendly volunteer attendant will be happy to help, or you can contact Roger Stobert, your volunteer Yard Waste Coordinator, 231-288-0148 or spankky@ charter.net.
Mark Pasquali
CLPOC Board Minutes
Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation
Board of Directors Meeting May 18, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.
Attendee’s Role Present Absent Zoom (Z) In Person (IP)
Paul Szymkowicz (PS) President IP
Steve Wilcox (SW) Vice President IP
James French (JF) Treasurer Z
Steve Brandt (SB) Secretary IP
Dan Rice (DR) Director IP
Matt Stifter (MS) Director IP
Liberty Gray (LR) Director IP
Shannon Hannon (SH) Director IP
Dan Tunacik (DT) Director IP
Others in attendance – Greg Babbitt (GB) - General Manager, Lindsay Halcomb (LH), 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 – SH / DT 9-0
3. Austin and Morton Township Reports – No reports from either Township
4. Presidents Report – PS, Welcome to the high season, Be careful out there, garage sales. Camp fire caution, Make sure you get the necessary boat stickers in advance. Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. Thank you to staff and volunteers.
5. Financial Report – KD, reviewed the financial results and position and compared them to prior periods. April 30st Draft financial presented. Estimate of 30 lots going back to the state from last year.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
ACC Committee – SB, We have not yet met this month, we will meet next Wednesday at 11am, as appointments with members were already scheduled for this date.
CLA – SB, Although the weather did not cooperate at the beginning, kite day was still a success. 81 participates, gift card winner was Mark Zaun.
Singles Mingle was sold out and a great event. Look out for more of these types events in the future. 64 attendees
Monthly Winner: Sheila Nero
Upcoming Events:
• No voices of freedom concert this year
• June 12, Ferris Community Band
• June 29, Summer Arts & Crafts Show
• Shopping spree: June 1 through July 31, prizes include:
– Dinner for 2 at Antlers, golf for 2 at the Royal, and an overnight stay at The Woods
– Free 2024 boat storage from Lakeside Motor Sports
– Free 2024 boat storage at EMS
• Summer picnic: Saturday, July 6th, same day as the fireworks, new additions to the picnic this year are:
– Bounce House
– Cotton Candy and Snowcones
• Ice Cream Social, August 7th, some club awareness tables.
Other Announcements:
• CLA is looking for someone to lead the pick-up artists
In Closing:
• This is the 49th year for the CLA, which makes next year a BIG DEAL. The 50th ANNIVERSARY, So look for some special events coming.
• CLA is always looking for volunteers, even if you do not want to serve on the board there are plenty of opportunities to “Come Join the Fun”.
• CLA membership is at 828 as of 5/1. Our goal is to get to 1,000. Please help us get there, it is the best 30 dollars you can spend.
Executive Committee – PS, Rec’d operational updates, updates from all committees, operating and legal updates, May workshop incident (SW, SB), RV park including Open Valley Park issue.
Finance Committee – JF, Met Thursday, reviewed financial results and forecast(s) in detail as well as at the department level. Audit status. Reviewed reserve and capital items. Small claims update as well as amenity usage. Status of staffing
levels. Status of funding for Pines Pro Shop relocation and HVAC Royal Grille kitchen projects.
Strategic Planning Committee – SW, Met Tuesday, Review of the last 15 months, land bank update, top 10 list.
7. GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT –
GB reported
Amenity Usage Report – Included in the board package
Departmental Report – Included in the board package, presentations by: Lindsay Halcomb, Multiple design projects, Castle, RG Express. Intern from Ferris, 4th of July parade, Mobile App & Laker update.
Reserve & Capital Project Update –
Updates on Beach sand sifter, cabana (small pavilions), Pines irrigation system all in various stages of execution, Pines Pro Shop and Food Trailer license.
General Manager Committee Reports –All GM committees are meeting now. Miscellaneous Items. Staff getting ready for the high season, working on road improvements after winter, lake levels good, Golf Pro replacement search, reminder for the need to utilize vehicle and boat stickers, Memorial Day garage sale, fireworks Saturday, July 6th, same day as the CLA summer picnic. BE SAFE.
8. Consent Calendar – Motion made to approve the notes of April 10, 2024 Workshop Meeting & Minutes of the April 27, 2024 Board Meeting as well as receive and file April 2024 check disbursements. SB / SH 9-0
9. Member Comments on action or discussion items – No comments from the audience
10. Items for Board Action –a. None
11. Items for board discussion –a. Nomination Committee – SB,
SB and SH volunteer to co-chair the committee again this year. We do not view the process to materially change from last year.
12. Member Comments – Ken Swatwood, thank you for finally acting on moving Pines Pro Shop, status of golf pro search
13. Director Comments – Happy Birthday to PS. Happy and Safe Memorial Day weekend.
14. Member communications –Boater safety, status of Pine Pro Shop projects, RG Express, road maintenance schedule and Pines irrigation system update
15. Moved to executive session – There was an executive session
16. Adjournment – SH / JF 9-0, 10:12am
Respectively submitted by Steve Brandt, Board Secretary. (Minutes are printed as submitted.)
Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation
Board of Directors Meeting Meeting June 22, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.
Attendee’s Role Present Absent Zoom (Z) In Person (IP)
Paul Szymkowicz (PS) President IP
Steve Wilcox (SW) Vice President X
James French (JF) Treasurer IP
Steve Brandt (SB) Secretary IP
Dan Rice (DR) Director IP
Matt Stifter (MS) Director IP
Liberty Gray (LR) Director IP
Shannon Hannon (SH) Director X
Dan Tunacik (DT) Director IP
Others in attendance – Greg Babbitt (GB) - General Manager, Lindsay Halcomb (LH), 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 – JF / DR 7-0
3. Austin and Morton Township Reports – No reports from either Township
4. Presidents Report – PS, Welcome to the high season, 4th of July weekend is around the corner so be careful out there. Camp fire caution, Make sure
you get the necessary boat stickers in advance. Be on the lookout for the next issue of the Laker, outdoor pool is open and please make sure to have your membership cards with you. Thank you to staff and volunteers.
5. Financial Report – KD, reviewed the financial results and position and compared them to prior periods. May 31st Draft financial presented and overview of reserve spending.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS –ACC Committee – SB, We did meet,
approved 4 new homes and 2 garages and discussed a number of deed restriction violations and updates CLA – SB,
• Before I get started, I need to take a step back. After watching the machine in action, I realize how many volunteers and how much planning goes into putting together an event such as the CLA Summer Picnic, My thanks to everyone involved as well as the sponsors. Please keep it in mind these are all volunteers sacrificing material amounts of their time so our membership can better enjoy their
holiday weekend. If you see them in the community, please thank them, do not tell them how they could volunteer better on social media. No one wants to hear that. Just my two cents for what it is worth.
Monthly Winner: Mary Ann Berkobien
Upcoming Events:
• June 29, Summer Arts & Crafts Show
• Shopping spree: June 1 through July 31, prizes include:
– Dinner for 2 at Antlers, golf for 2 at the Royal, and an overnight stay at
The Woods
– Free 2024 boat storage from Lakeside Motor Sports
– Free 2024 boat storage at EMS
• Summer picnic: Saturday, July 6th, same day as the fireworks, new additions to the picnic this year are:
– Bounce House
– Cotton Candy and Snowcones
• Ice Cream Social, August 7th, some club awareness tables.
In Closing:
• CLA is always looking for volunteers,
even if you do not want to serve on the board there are plenty of opportunities to “Come Join the Fun”.
• CLA membership is at 836 as of 6/1. Our goal is to get to 1,000. Please help us get there, it is the best 30 dollars you can spend.
Executive Committee – PS, Rec’d operational updates, updates from all committees, operating and legal updates, Other topics included Drone purchase, Kitchen AC, Pine Pro Shop, Royal Express and Pontoon boats on Lake Laura.
Finance Committee – JF, Met Thursday, reviewed financial results and forecast(s) in detail as well as at the department level. Audit status. Reviewed reserve and capital items. Small claims update as well as amenity usage. Status of staffing levels. Status of funding for Pines Pro Shop relocation and HVAC Royal Grille kitchen projects.
Strategic Planning Committee – SB, Met Tuesday, Review of the last 15 months, land bank update, top 10 list. Formed a committee to work with / review the new Morten Township Master Plan as it is developed. Also discussed a portal that members can use to submit projects for consideration, prioritization and scoring
7. GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT – GB REPORTED
Amenity Usage Report – Included in the board package
Departmental Report – Included in the board package, presentation by: Casey Smith, Topics discussed include Compliance (issue approximately 10 letters a week), road maintenance, sink holes, A/C Kitchen, common area boat docking and new outdoor pool furniture.
Reserve & Capital Project Update
– Updates on Beach sand sifter, Pines irrigation system, Pines Pro Shop site plan, Drone, Kitchen and Food Trailer license.
General Manager Committee Reports –All GM committees are meeting now.
Miscellaneous Items. Staff getting ready for the 4th of July weekend, working on road improvements, Golf Pro
replacement search, reminder for the need to utilize vehicle and boat stickers, fireworks Saturday, July 6th, same day as the CLA summer picnic. Other topics included no wake reminder and lake harvesting. BE SAFE.
8. Consent Calendar – Motion made to approve the notes of May 8, 2024 Workshop Meeting & Minutes of the May 18, 2024 Board Meeting as well as receive and file May 2024 check disbursements. SB / DR 7-0
9. Member Comments on action or discussion items – No comments from the audience
10. Items for Board Action –a. Nominating Committee: SB motion, SB and SH volunteer to co-chair the committee again this year. We do not view the process to materially change from last year. JF / DR 7-0
11. Items for board discussion –a. None
12. Member Comments – None
13. Director Comments – SB: Nomination committee and board petitions, All: Happy and Safe 4th of
15. Moved to executive session – There was an executive session
Respectively submitted by Steve Brandt, Board Secretary. (Minutes are printed as submitted.)
WE SELL AND INSTALL RACE DECK FLOORING. Hands Down, the best alternative to Epoxy paint. Call us to find out more about this amazing product for all kinds of spaces. RaceDeck tiles snap in place and are great for many places in your home. Garage, laundry, porch, hot tub and more. They can be disassembled at any time. Perfect for Winter garages.
Gutter Cleaning, Repairs, and Gutter Covers
16. Adjournment – 9:35 JF / LG 7-0,
July weekend.
14. Member communications – Boater safety, status of Pine Pro Shop projects and RG Express
Gutter cleaning, Gutter repairs, Gutter covers. | Canadian Lakes Gutter Co. 10857 90th Ave, Mecosta MI 49332
Located on the corner of 90th and M20 near Lakeside Motorsports and the Bakery/Dollar Store
Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com
Saturday
MONTHLY EUCHRE SOCIAL CLUB
1:00 p.m. on 2nd Saturday (Sept. thru April) except November Sue Powers: 616-550-8871 powersdensue@yahoo.com
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.
“John was extremely helpful, and informative.”
— Bruce and Laurel, Canadian Lakes
“John answered all of our questions and the install crew was very professional.”
— Bill, Stanwood
“We had 5 quotes. John’s was the lowest and he o ered the best quality window along with the guarantee. He also lives in the area.”
