The Canadian Laker December 2021/January 2022

CANADIAN LAKES, MI

DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

NEW CANADIAN LAKES RESIDENT INSPIRES WITH STORY OF PERSEVERANCE

2021 Annual Election Results

TAKING A WALK ON THE

WILD SIDE

Outdoor mysteries canadianlakes.org

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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I

t’s hard to believe we are already in December. Holy moly, it’s almost Christmas! And it’s almost time to say goodbye to 2021. I’m not sure about the rest of you, but 2021 brought my family even more difficulties than 2020, which I wasn’t even certain that could happen. It will be a year I never forget, and it will be my constant reminder to hold those near and dear to me even tighter as tomorrow is never promised.

As Christmas approaches, I can’t help but get excited about all the lights, the snow, the food, and the company, however small that may be. Just the mood-enhancement, feel good stuff we all need! But are we ready? It’s the first week of December so let’s go through our holiday checklist, shall we?

Christmas Tree Lights and Decorations Wrapping Paper and Tape Stocking Stuffers Appetizers for Christmas Eve Main Dish for Christmas Dinner Work (Co-workers and Boss) Gifts Elf on the Shelf

‘What is this elf on the shelf,’ you say? Elf on the shelf is sort of a new tradition. Here’s what our friend Google had to say about this “lovely” tradition, “Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition where a special scout is sent to your home from the North Pole to encourage kids to behave themselves.

The idea is that Santa’s little helper watches the children by day, and each night, it returns to the North Pole to report on whether they were naughty or nice.” I won’t say much more about this little elf, except that he haunts me the whole month of December and a lot of parents will agree with me on that.

Please read through this issue of the Canadian Laker. You have the election results on page 12, a couple great reads from our feature writer, Joyce Wilcox, another Outdoor Mystery from Chris Zimmerman, and a main feature about a courageous, talented, beautiful member of our community. It’s because of stories like Natalie’s story that I don’t sweat the small stuff. We are not in control of what this life brings us, but we are in control of what we bring to this life. Natalie, your smile and perseverance is contagious. Check out Natalie’s story on page 23 and be thankful for every day. We hope you enjoy this issue of the Canadian Laker, and Happy Holidays!

Photo credit:Dan Strandt, Chairman of the Canadian Lakes Camera Club c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

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Buying or Selling?

Call Tom Garner Associate Broker

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

Facts for 2021 Real Estate Market in Canadian Lakes. Total # of homes sold to date in CL is at 123 homes with only 6 for sale.

Average days on market continues to remain low full price or higher has become the norm. We continue to get multiple bids on homes and are negotiating for prices above listed prices. If you have considered Selling and want to know the value and the current market trends for our area, please let me know. Today more than ever, you need an experienced and professional Realtor to represent your interests if you are going to sell your property. Call or email me today to learn how you can maximize on your real estate investments, if you have considered selling your property, there has never been a better time to do it.

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00 Orton Street Howard City, MI 49329

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1st Place Table Winners, Tracie Bowen and Connie Miller at the CLA Trick or Treat.

Photo credit:Kim Flanagan, Creative Occasions Photography

Features 12 2021 Annual Election Results 23 New Canadian Lakes D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

resident inspires with story of perseverance

32 Outdoor Mysteries Ticks on the rise

34 Taking a walk

on the wild side

c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

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Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation

In This Issue

8

From the General Manager

10 From the Board 14 Marketing 16 From the CLA 20 Focus on Fishing 30 Life on Our Links

42 Canadian Lakes Safety

46

Mobile Watch

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

48 CLPOC Board

Editorial Lindsay Halcomb, Marketing Associate Art and Editorial provided by Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation thecanadianlaker@gmail.com

54 Let’s Get Social

Volunteers Joyce Wilcox Chris Zimmerman Cora Foley

Minutes

56 Calendar of Events

Photography Chuck Richardson Di Schwartz Dan Strandt Deadline Dates Feb/March - January 4 April/May – March 3 June/July – May 4 Aug/Sept – July 1 Oct/Nov – September 2 Dec/Jan – November 3

38 Joyce's Choices

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.

Cover photo: Natalie and Iggy Cover photo credit: Dan Strandt, Chairman of the Canadian Lakes Camera Club The Canadian Laker is owned and published bimonthly by the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation (CLPOC) as its official magazine and is mailed at standard rate to each property owner of record to the address on file with the corporation. The Canadian Laker is a trademark of the CLPOC. Copyright ©2021 by CLPOC, all rights reserved.

Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content published in The Canadian Laker, the CLPOC cannot assume any responsibility for content, warranties, and representations made in advertisements herein. Advertisements or sponsor recognition appearing in The Canadian Laker is not an endorsement or recommendation of the advertiser’s product or service by the CLPOC. All warranties and representations made are solely those of the advertiser and any such claims regarding an ad’s content should be addressed directly to the individual advertiser.

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

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Guidelines for Photos/Graphics Photos: Digital high-resolution photos.

Low resolution photos usually not accepted.

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

Get Social With Canadian Lakes canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org twitter.com/canadian_lakes facebook.com/campcanadianlakes facebook.com/canadianlakes facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes facebook.com/royalgrille facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes canadianlakes_mi

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From the General Manager

T

his is my time of year to be thankful and reflect on the past season. Living in this great community is certainly something you can be grateful for. I really enjoy seeing and reading about how many members are always willing to help other members. This is just one of the many things that keeps the community bonded, and certainly a nice benefit just knowing that help is available anytime it may be needed.

GREG BABBITT General Manager gbabbitt@clpoc.org

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

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

MEMBER SERVICES Dawn McNeill Faith Markin Jane Hensley memberservices@clpoc.org

8

SEASONAL RECAP This past season, we continued to see increased activity at both The Highlands and The Pines golf course, as well as the outdoor pool. Even The Royal saw increased rounds. This benefited the Royal Grille as activity was up and has continued into the off-season. This has been one of our best off-season starts thus far at the restaurant. I really want to thank the members, and all of their guests, for the support they have given to the amenities this season.

Unfortunately, like some of you perhaps, this has been another stressful year for my staff and especially my department heads.

Continuing to deal with lingering pandemic issues and dealing with being short-staffed in many areas for most of the season. Even with these conditions, staff has done an excellent job in operating the community to the best of their ability. I am truly grateful for the staff I have and enjoyed watching them again this year, rise to the challenge of another season.

BUDGET We are currently in the process of preparing next fiscal year’s budget, FY 2023. One factor that exists is the Consumer Price Index; similar to inflation it is currently over the ceiling (4.3%) allowed for increasing the amount of the membership fee. The Board will need to decide as to the exact percentage that will be used. Another factor being considered, is the fact that it is proving impossible to hire good employees in many areas at minimum wage or even slightly higher.

Good employees in various areas are requiring $12-$15 an hour.

We are unsure how long these higher wage needs will continue but to operate the community effectively and not be understaffed again next year we will be requesting budget adjustments. This budget process involves establishing the 2022 Rates and Fees Schedule. The staff, Finance Committee, and Board are all engaged in the process of preparing the FY 23 budget and 2022 Fee Schedule. The ProForma version of the budget and fee schedule will be voted on at the Board’s December 18th meeting. The Board and management continue to be cognizant of the current economic conditions while at the same time trying to balance expenses for services against income.

OFF-SEASON We will be operating the tubing tow at the Highland Haus on weekends when the hill conditions permit. Staff, along with some volunteers, will be maintaining the ice skating rink again this year at the Highland Haus and the cross-country ski/biking trail on The Highlands golf course. Stay tuned to the Member Bulletin and our website for the latest updates on all our wintertime activities.

T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

THANKFUL I am certainly thankful to all the many volunteers we have. Whether you volunteer for the Board or a committee, donate expertise or money, organize an event, support the amenities, or just pay your membership fee, you all play an important role in our success. Volunteerism is priceless and Canadian Lakes is extremely fortunate to have such an amazing group of volunteers.

I am also very thankful of my dedicated staff of employees. I would specifically like to thank my department heads: Kim Dowell, Casey Smith, Jessica Slendak, Dennis Wolfe, Bill Hull, Kristin Wilcox, and Kendall Ouwinga. These department heads and their staff take operating this place very personal and attempt to do it in a frugal business manner on a very tight budget. They all do a lot of their work behind the scenes, but without their devoted efforts Canadian Lakes would not be the place it is.

As with every year during this wonderful holiday time, my staff joins me in wishing each of you a joyous holiday season and a very happy and healthy New Year!

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9

From the Board

How time flies

I President Paul L. Szymkowicz

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org OFFICERS President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com John Colley Vice President jacclpoc@gmail.com Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com Secretary Linda Tilley ltilley.clpoc@gmail.com DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Dan Altier altierdt@gmail.com Daniel Rice dozerrice1960@gmail.com Bob Halpin rbobhalpin@aol.com Jerry Juncker juncker.jerald@yahoo.com Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com CLPOC BOARD MEETINGS Regular Monthly Board Meeting Fourth Saturday 9 a.m., Highland Haus

t is unbelievable to me that we are already reaching the end of 2021.

I remember when my parents first purchased property here, it was 1970 and I was only nine years old. If anyone would have told me back then that in less than fifty years I would be successful at being elected to the CLPOC Board of Directors and one day serve as Vice President and then President, I would have laughed in their face. As I conclude my fifth year as a director, I can still recall what made me run in the first place. I was having a discussion (OK, it was an argument) with some staff members that told me that if I did not like the way some things were done that I should run for the Board and try to make some changes. As they say, the rest is history. I would not trade my experiences here at Canadians Lakes—both growing up and later being able to give back to the community—for anything.

It seems like it was just yesterday, the snow was melting as the temperatures warmed and we were looking forward to the start of spring.

The golf courses, along with all the other outdoor amenities, were being prepared for the start of the season. Now Christmas and the New Year are just around the corner. The temperatures grew colder, leaves changed color, and snow fell. The boating and beach season came to an end. Golf courses, campgrounds and the outdoor pool are closed for the winter season. Friends and family have left for warmer weather. It may seem like a vicious cycle but it’s home. I would like to thank our general manager, his staff, and all our employees for making 2021 a successful year. Our community would not be what it is today without all the volunteer support that we enjoy and appreciate. Keep up the great work!

I would like to introduce the three successful candidates for this year’s election. The candidates are Steve Brandt, Jim French and Shannon Hannon. Their term will run from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024. The CLPOC Board of Directors is looking forward to working with these individuals over the next three years. A big thank you to Steve Brandt, Jim French and Shannon Hannon for being willing to donate your time and expertise to our community. I hope that all of you will choose to stay active in our community.

Over the past two years, the Board of Directors has worked hard to update our “Articles of Incorporation.” An updated document has been completed and has been put forth to the membership for their approval. If approved, it will be the first time since its inception that the Corporation will be able to restate the AOI. Up to this time our AOI could only be changed by membership vote using amendments.

The reason that this is possible now is, earlier this summer the CLPOC acquired its naming rights. Membership vote will always be required to change the AOI. Until next time, please continue to stay safe and have a great holiday season.

Workshop Board Meeting Second Wednesday 5:30 p.m., CLPOC Office Conference Room

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CANADIAN LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS VISION STATEMENT Canadian Lakes is a premier recreational and residential community set in West Michigan’s scenic heartland. As a unified community of private property owners offering an unequaled quality of life, Canadian Lakes fulfills the diverse needs of all members in a natural setting for present and future generations to enjoy. This Core Vision is characterized by: • The natural beauty of the area and its desirability as a place to live • Outstanding recreational and social activities • Financial soundness and sustainability • Protection of property values through disciplined growth and the development and maintenance of a high quality infrastructure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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11

2021 Annual Election Results

T

he CLPOC Board of Directors hereby informs members of the election results disclosed at the 2021 Annual Meeting on November 20. In addition, the board thanks the following election inspectors for their hard work: Gloria Rogers, Barb Collinge, Deb Macaddino, Millie Spinney, Lynn Tracy, Tim Collinge, John Napiewocki, Dick Rogers, Ron Spinney, and Pete Zeimis.

BALLOT INFORMATION Number of ballots sent: 3968 Number of ballots required for quorum: 992 Number of ballots returned: 1317 Percentage returned: 33% Ballots submitted without signature: 31 Number of spoiled ballots: 31

BALLOT ISSUE 1 Annual Election of Directors Steve Brandt: 697 Jim French: 603 Bob Halpin: 556 Shannon Hannon: 794 Jim Swartzendruber: 467 Linda Tilley: 569 BALLOT ISSUE 2 – Approval of Annual Meeting Minutes Yes: 1157 No: 76 BALLOT ISSUE 3 – Approval of Amended and Restated CLPOC Articles of Incorporation Yes: 1071 No: 189

The three candidates receiving the most votes are elected to serve as Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation Board of Directors for the years 2022-2025.

Congratulations

TO SHANNON HANNON, STEVE BRANDT, AND JIM FRENCH!

Shannon Hannon

Steve Brandt

Jim French

The Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation Board of Directors would like to extend a very sincere thank you to all the candidates for their willingness to dedicate their time and talent to serve our community. If you have any specific questions relative to these results, please feel free to contact Greg Babbitt, General Manager, at gbabbitt@clpoc.org or 231-972-7651.

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Marketing

I JESSICA SLENDAK Marketing Director jslendak@clpoc.org

Marketing Associate Lindsay Halcomb lhalcomb@clpoc.org Assistant Webmaster Lee Ann McCormick canadianlakes.org

t’s Christmastime and I love Christmas! I always write that this time of year is my most favorite in this issue of The Canadian Laker. I also always write about past season’s advertising stats, and at times what is on tap for next high season. I wrote last year that Christmastime would be very different for myself and my sisters since we lost our mother last October and although different it was, my sisters and I still found joy in the season and our bond grew even stronger. I gather this is a natural thing when a mother is lost. In the last issue of The Canadian Laker, I wrote about what’s to come in the next year, so in this issue, I’ll mix things up and in honor of my mom, who also truly loved the Christmas season. Let's have some Christmas fun!

Below are some quotes from Christmas movies we all cherish. Write in the name of the movie below the quote and send your entry back to me. I’ll draw one winner from all the correct entries. That winner will win a super cool gift box valued at $100 filled with Canadian Lakes swag and a $50 Royal Grille gift card! Good luck!

There are a few ways you can send this back to me to be entered. First, you must get this back to me by December 22, 2021, by 4:30 p.m. You can scan it or take a photo of it and email it to me at jslendak@clpoc.org. You may drop it off in person at the CLPOC office located at 10690 Pierce Road, Canadian Lakes Michigan, 49346 or mail it to that same address. Again, deadline is December 22, 2021, by 4:30 p.m. Good luck and have fun!

Merry Christmas, Canadian Lakes – Enjoy Every, Single, Blessed Moment!

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

twitter.com/canadian_lakes

facebook.com/campcanadianlakes facebook.com/canadianlakes facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes facebook.com/royalgrille facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes

Instagram: canadianlakes_mi

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1. “Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” _________________________________________________ 2. “I planned out our whole day. First, we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.” _________________________________________________ 3. “There’s a certain magic that comes with the very first snow. For when the first snow is also a Christmas snow, well, something wonderful is bound to happen.” _________________________________________________ 4. “Yes! Yes I do! I like Christmas! I love Christmas!” _________________________________________________ 5. “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” _________________________________________________ 6. “Christmas is just about my favorite time. Ever since I was a little kid, I always felt like it was my own personal holiday.” _________________________________________________ 7. “And we’re going to have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.” _________________________________________________ 8. “You’ll shoot your eye out kid!” _________________________________________________ 9. “God bless us, every one!” _________________________________________________ 10. “Merry Christmas you filthy animal.” ________________________________________________ 11. “Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved.” ________________________________________________ 12. “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” ________________________________________________

13. “You have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card.” ________________________________________________ 14. “I want my house to be seen from space!” ________________________________________________ 15. “Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” ________________________________________________ 16. “It was the afternoon of Christmas Eve and Scrooge was conscious of a thousand odors, each one connected with a thousand thoughts and hopes and joys and cares long, long forgotten.” ________________________________________________ 17. “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” ________________________________________________ 18. “I’m of the mindset that you can never do too much to make a child’s Christmas magical.” ________________________________________________ 19. “This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope.” ________________________________________________ 20. “Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.” ________________________________________________ 21. “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” ________________________________________________ 22. “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” ________________________________________________ 23. “Blast this Christmas music. It’s joyful and triumphant.” ________________________________________________ 24. “It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more.” ________________________________________________ 25. “You’re skipping Christmas! Isn’t that against the law?” ________________________________________________ 26. “This is extremely important. Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” ________________________________________________

c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

15

From the CLA

G by HAROLD WOLF President haroldwolf63@gmail.com

From left to right: Jim Bulmer and Ginny Barawskas, Ron and Jane Hensley, Kris and Mark Maurer, Roger and Shelly Baumann.

Photo credit:Kim Flanagan, Creative Occasions Photography 16

ood day my fellow Canadian Lakers!

I hope you have had another GRRREAT summer in Canadian Lakes! We are officially into the holiday season with our bellies full of turkey, stuffing, and pie! I’m sure a lot of you have your Christmas trees and decorations up already (Marsha and I do not)! As an adult, Thanksgiving has become my “hands-down” favorite holiday. For starters, we get a long weekend away from work. Our traditional Thanksgiving Day goes like this for me. I wake up very early ... and one or more of my children or grandchildren, who are already at our house for the weekend, go out in the woods together to hunt. When we get back in, which is usually around 10:30, Marsha has a great breakfast ready for us. If we have grandchildren here hunting, Marsha always makes them cinnamon rolls and bacon (our grandchildren are spoiled, like I am). Of course, the house smells fantastic with turkey roasting in the oven, the pies that Marsha baked when I first left the house to hunt, and all the Thanksgiving dinner side dishes being prepared. (It seems like I write about food a lot in my letters). Well, us Wolfs love to eat! Thankfully, Marsha loves to cook for us! Later in the day, the rest of the family starts arriving. Then we watch (and complain) about the Lions game. Finally, we gather around the table to enjoy a fresh roasted Amish Turkey. We had a 21-pounder last year! And we always pause to give thanks for how blessed we are. Thanksgiving Day ... you just can’t get any better than that!

Hunting, football, family, and you guessed it, eating!

But next comes December (UGH) – the complete opposite of my enjoyment of Thanksgiving. Cold, snow (not a fan), the pressure of Christmas gifts, getting all the decorations out of the attic and putting them up, only to take them back down again and back up to the attic, and did I mention the snow that I’m not a fan of? Since we have dachshunds, I need to do a lot of extra shoveling of snow for them to give them a spot to do their “potty chores” ... even if it means 7 a.m. when they first go out ... or 10 p.m. when they last go out. But Marsha loves them, and so do I, so shovel snow I do ... a lot of snow!

I try to not be a “HUMBUGGER,” and a lot of you helped me enjoy the season last year. Marsha and I were judges for the CLA Annual Christmas Home Decorating Contest. And I have to say it was very enjoyable driving around and seeing all the beautiful decorations and lights ... it gets you into the spirit of the Christmas season.

Most of you would agree the CLA and being Canadian Lakes members enhances our lives in so many ways, whether you live in Canadian Lakes or are a "trunk slammer". Your CLA Board is dedicated to providing you with a very diverse schedule of events throughout the year geared towards every member, both young and old.

Most recently on October 30th, we had our CLA Halloween Dance Party. We had a great turnout with a lot of creative, spooky, and funny costumes. There was the cast of Gilligan’s Island to the left (most creative costume), Dracula (scariest costume), and the “Best Couple” costume winners. Everyone who T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

attended enjoyed a night with Trick or Treat great food, music, dancing, and awesome decorations around the Castle. Then the very next day on Halloween we got the Castle ready for our annual CLA Trickor-Treating, where our youngest Canadian Lakes members were able to come out and get lots of treats from over 30 volunteer treat-givers. Once again, we had a great turnout with almost 500 Canadian Lakes children, parents, grandparents, and other family members attending. It definitely was a SPOOKTACULAR EVENT. November 4th was our annual cook-off featuring chili this year. We had a wonderful turnout with 80 folks filling up on some delicious chili. We had several door prizes that were given out, and all our cooks did a great job providing their own unique spin on chili. So much so that we had a tie for 2nd place between Judy Hullinger and Sandy Politowicz.

Congratulations Cooks! Now for our 1st place winner. Well,

Chili Cook-Off First Place Winner, Curtis Wolf

there is quite a story behind this victory. The winner bought a lot in Canadian Lakes and became a CLA member just to be able to compete in the Chili Cook-off!

Not to mention, he drove four hours round trip to attend the event. Now that’s a commitment.

The winner happens to be Marsha and my son, Curtis Wolf! When Marsha won the Chili Cookoff three years ago, it became a goal of Curtis to have his name next to Marsha’s on the plaque in the Highland Haus. Goal accomplished! Our son has always loved cooking with his mother! November 6th was our New Member Meet and Greet Wine & Snack event. We provided information to members who have recently moved into Canadian Lakes on what the CLA has to offer year-round. It far exceeded our expectations with 25 new Canadian Lakes members in attendance. November 8th was our CLA Gals Night Out. This event sold out early this year with 73 ladies partying at the Royal, enjoying a wonderful meal (thanks to Chef Barbie), great service (thanks to Kendall, Faith, and staff), and laughing all evening while playing some FUN games, including Family Feud, the Price is Right, and What’s in your Purse ... thank you Marsha, Robin, and Peggy for planning such a fun evening. Steve Harvey even made a special appearance to MC this special event (aka Harold, after Marsha forced me into growing a mustache and wearing a suit and tie). The ladies all had a great time. November 11th was our CLA Veterans Day Program. A big ‘thank you’ to Tricia Donegan and Elayne McCollum for organizing this important event to honor our Veterans. We had 21 Veterans, along with other of their family members and friends attending. There was a special program for our Veterans, followed by treats.

I’m not sure who oversees the CLA’s schedule of events, but I need to have a talk with them (Peggy, you know it’s you)! I am exhausted, and we aren’t even done for the year.

We still have our Christmas Home Decorating Contest December 10th and 11th, and our annual New Year’s Eve Party December 31st. BUT LET ME BE CLEAR ... IT IS A FUN KIND OF EXHAUSTED! None of these events would be possible without you, our Canadian Lakes members who choose to become CLA members. Your $25 annual membership is what makes all of this possible. So please, if you aren’t already a member then now is the perfect time to COME JOIN THE FUN!

Gals Night Out

c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

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GET TING TO KNOW

Kendall Ouwinga

By Lindsay Halcomb

MEET YOUR NEW FRONT OF HOUSE (FOH) MANAGER: KENDALL OUWINGA. She’s not just a pretty face, people. Kendall received a BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Ferris State University in 2018. Kendall grew up in the Newaygo area and her parents have owned a cottage here in Canadian Lakes for fourteen years. While attending Ferris, Kendall tended bar at Antler’s for four years and was able to get acquainted with many of you there. After graduation she took a marketing and advertising position at Two Hats Ranch and still does some of that work today.

How did Kendall end up at the Royal Grille?

Kendall started at the Royal Grille this past summer when we were so short-staffed. She was hired as a bartender at one day a week. Not even a week had gone by, and she was bumped to five days a week, and now she is our front of house restaurant manager.

Kendall has always loved bartending and serving customers, she feels comfortable doing it. When the opportunity came about, she knew she could combine her marketing/advertising background with the restaurant business. It’s quite the combination of skills she is bringing to the table. Kendall is doing everything she can do to keep pricing competitive during these difficult times of inflation and supply shortages, because she knows that competitive pricing makes our members happy.

How’s the rest of the staff doing at the Royal Grille?

One of our line cooks has a name everyone recognizes, Barbie. Not only is Barbie an excellent cook, but Barbie has stepped up to offer more of a menu with variety and flavor. Barbie has a very impressive background in the food industry, she has a positive attitude, and gets along with everyone. The staff at the Royal Grille is attentive and positive. Their willingness to serve our customers and put the customer first with all the staffing issues they have had is remarkable.

What else is new and exciting at the Royal Grille?

Kendall considers leaving the burger and sandwich reputation behind and moving toward a place to enjoy a variety of food options. Having upscale food options, but also offering our gourmet burgers and homemade soups, our members truly love is where the Royal Grille is headed. Kendall hears your feedback and wants to offer our customers what they want. The Royal Grille is gearing up to offer a total of ten beers on tap. It’s not just beer Kendall is adding behind the bar, either.

Kendall’s first order of business was to get a fancy new blender for all our margarita and frozen drink needs.

And how about our beloved events coming back?

Kendall has just finished her second dueling piano night at the Royal Grille that took place on November 20. We hope you all enjoyed the dueling pianos. It was the best time with the greatest customers. Fun was had by all, and if you missed it this go-around you can expect to see the show again soon.

Kendall also plans on providing weekday events during low season like karaoke, game nights, etc. This serves as a ‘thank you’ for all the support of our customers during the busy season. A couple of additions already happening to Sundays at the Royal Grille are the Bloody Mary bar, breakfast menu items, and the 2 for $20 meal deals and all have been a huge hit.

Dare I say the Royal Grille is back? Heck yeah, I do!

Kendall Ouwinga takes care of the front house like the pro she is. There’s no doubt our beloved restaurant is ready for service, families, friends, and fun. The Royal Grille’s atmosphere is on a whole new level and although there are many people to thank for that, you may start by thanking Kendall, your new FOH Royal Grille Manager.

c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

19

FOCUS ON

FISHING Canadian Lakes 18th Annual Pike Tournament Results

BY 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

Twenty adult anglers, along with four youth anglers, registered and fished in the Pike Tournament on Saturday, September 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., then enjoyed pizza, water, and awards after. The largest pike award went to Peter Mooney with a 35.5-inch fish, with the second largest pike going to Alisa Pequeno at 30.5 inches. Chip Whitaker took home the prizes for two categories—most total inches of pike 24 inches and over with four pike totaling 99.75 inches, and most pike caught of any size by a single angler with 10 pike. There were 81 total pike caught, with 11 being 24 inches and over. There were no muskies reported. Thanks again to Jeff Abel for directing this tournament.

Peter Mooney with a good-looking 35.5" pike.

SAFETY ON OUR FROZEN LAKES

Below are some common safety tips to remember before venturing out onto any frozen lake or pond:

1. Check the ice thickness with a spud or auger. Be aware that snow or slush can hide thin areas.

2. Do not go out alone.

Carry a rope and ice spikes.

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

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

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

20

Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Update

At the October club meeting, a motion was passed to continue the officers of 2021 for another year: President, Dale Doepker, Vice President, George Groll, and Treasurer, Don Charles. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 7 p.m. at Alpine Haus, when we will begin planning our events for the summer season. All Canadian Lakers interested in fishing are encouraged to attend. Please remember to release live all bass and muskies, plus pike that are 24 inches and over.

T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

Annual Big Fish Contest Results

Canadian Lakes Fishing Club is pleased to announce the winners of the Annual Fishing Contest and thank all those who entered. There were three “largest of a species” trophies awarded with two of them going to Carter Rosloniec, who is 11 years old. He was the pike and largemouth bass champion. The other largest fish trophy went to Henry Singer, the muskie champion. Six youth entered their fish of any size and also received trophies.

The next contest runs from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. The entry blanks consist of one entry form for both. If the entry is a young angler the information for the angler must be filled in as to age, etc. All entries will be eligible for the Largest Fish Contest if the minimum length is met.

The new entry forms are available on the website and at the CLPOC office. Please make sure that the form used is for the current year, 2021 to 2022. In the meantime, keep track of your catches so you can enter them by next October 10, 2022. Good luck on your fishing trips and remember: “That’s why it’s called fishin and not catchin.” (In memory of Jim Hilton).

Christmas Gift Ideas! The Canadian Lakes Fishing Club has a full complement of caps and T-shirts for sale. They would make excellent Christmas gifts for both your young and older anglers. There are summer mesh hats at $6 each and the embroidered hats at $15 each. The T-shirts are in various sizes from youth to adult and sell for $10 each. Contact George Groll at grollg@msu.edu or 517-896-2272.

Photo credit:Dale Doepker

MASTER FISHERMAN

Ken Grzeszak

By Dale Doepker

O

ver his years fishing, Ken has entered 53 fish that meet the length requirement in the Michigan DNR Master Angler Catch and Release Program and has received their Master Angler Patch. He also received three certificates for reporting the longest fish in a specific species for the entire state. Many of these were for fish he caught elsewhere, before moving to Canadian Lakes in 2005.

In just the Canadian Lakes waters, Ken accumulated 16 Canadian Lakes Fishing Club trophies for catching the longest fish in many different species. Ken donated all his trophies and patches to the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club. The original brass plates were removed, and each trophy will be re-used by the club for kids’ awards. His brass plates were all placed on a trophy board with the heading “Master Fisherman Ken Grzeszak,” and presented to him.

18th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby Saturday, February 12, 2022, 9 a.m. to noon

Bring the kids for a fun time ice fishing, whether they have done it before or not. No registration needed, just show up. Fishing rods, bait, holes, fish finders, bonfire, hot chocolate and donuts are all provided free. Canadian Lakes Fishing Club members will give instruction and assistance in catching fish. In past years, kids have caught hundreds of bluegills and perch, plus several pike. Location is on the Main Lake, just south of Buchanan, off West Royal, with parking alongside the Pickleball Courts. We will also have a free raffle for the kids with over a dozen great prizes at 10:30 a.m. Adults are welcome to come and learn the techniques. Questions? Call Dale Doepker, dtroutman97@aol.com, 972-8663.

Ken was a winner in our Bullhead Tournament several times and was also an avid hunter with many plaques with deer horns on the wall of his garage. He was an ardent supporter of the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club and over the years handled the recycling of surplus fishing rods/reels for donation to needy families. Ken also made multiple trips for many years to the Little Pine Island Youth Camp, helping kids catch bluegill. For several years he organized and ran a Kid’s Fishing Contest at the campground. The photo above shows Ken in his favorite pose, helping kids with fishing.

Ken used to fish a lot but has done very little fishing in the past couple of years due to health problems. He and Barb moved to an apartment in Grand Rapids in August of this year, closer to relatives, and he receives the dialysis procedure three times a week.

c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

21

616-977-7200 | www.monicasgourmet.com | 3668 29th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

NEW CA NA DIA N L A KES RESI DENT I N SPI R ES W I TH STORY OF PERSEVE RA N C E

By Brenna Buckwald

N

atalie Smith, an 18-yearold burn survivor and new resident of Canadian Lakes, works toward healing from a life-altering accident by sharing her story, building an online community, and helping others reach self-acceptance through educating on her own experiences.

Originally from Stanwood, Michigan, Smith recently moved to Canadian Lakes in August of 2021. She noted that she hasn’t done a lot of exploring yet but enjoys eating lunch with her sisters at CL Pizza Co. and going for golf cart rides around her neighborhood during the warmer months.

Although she is from the area, Smith has not always lived in Michigan; she spent a large part of her childhood and teenage years moving from state to state and switching schools. Smith said her mother remarried in 2014 to her stepdad, who was in the army, which led them to move quite often. Since their initial relocation, Smith has lived in Colorado, Maryland, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama before moving back to the mitten state.

“That is where the social anxiety started, because I was either starting in the middle of a school year or [at the beginning]. I always thought starting at the beginning of a school year was the worst, because everyone is excited about their friends coming back, so then you’re just in the middle of the crowd,” Smith said.

“I do think it made it easier to approach people, or it made it easier to force myself to step out,” Smith added.

On November 25th, 2019, after attending a new high school in Meridianville, Alabama for the first four months of her junior year, Smith had been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner

with new friends. When they were done eating, she recalled they went outside to have a bonfire, which one of the other kids had ignited by using gasoline.

“When it started getting low, one of my friends who was there was like, ‘I’ll fix it,’ and poured more gas on it, and he was standing in front of me. I stood up to go inside, but as I stood up, it just exploded,” Smith said. “Then, it was like a flash of white and I stopped, dropped, and rolled, because I had heels on and didn’t want to break an ankle. It was my first instinct.”

As a result, approximately 45-to-50 percent of Smith’s skin had been burned in the accident, leading to a 77-day-long hospital stay, including rehabilitation

therapy. During her first month in the hospital, Smith underwent six medical procedures and after leaving the hospital in February of 2020, she started laser surgery and has had 14 laser surgeries since. Smith indicated that often for burn survivors, the process of laser surgeries is continual and will occur for most of their lifetime. She has also had approximately seven skin graft surgeries, which typically entail removing healthy skin from a donor site on one’s body and transferring it to an injured site to cover and repair wounds.

In August of 2020, Smith’s doctors removed two inches off her left thigh and attached it to her neck, in what is referred to as a free flap surgery, or free

N ATA L I E AND HER FAMI LY c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

23

HI PPI EFEST 202 1 24

T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

tissue transfer. This procedure was done to reconstruct her neck, helping her regain movement after the accident.

“In the beginning it was really hard, I didn’t look at myself in the mirror for like two-and-a-half months, because my head was completely shaved and my face was really red,” Smith said. “Then I got used to it, but went backward after I had the neck surgery because it was so big; it added like an extra two pounds to my upper chest area.”

Smith noted that for the free flap surgery, the doctors had to rewire the nerves and blood vessels in her neck, and afterward she had three liposuction procedures to eliminate the excess weight and shape her neck again.

“It hurt for a while. Even my parents can say that I struggled for a long time.

I would have complete breakdowns, because I was like, ‘this isn’t fair,’ and all that. After my neck surgery it got really bad again, because it wasn’t what I expected at all,” Smith said.

While in the hospital, a large support system rallied around Smith. She indicated that since the accident took place before COVID-19, people were still able to go see her in the hospital. Someone was always visiting her, including her family and friends, as well as local churches and the national fire department, who made an appearance in support. She also felt very encouraged by the hospital staff, saying she made friends with some of the nurses, who were very personable during her time there.

During her time there, Smith noted that she consistently had hallucinations of a dog being at her side, primarily of a golden retriever. She talked about her imaginary dog so often, that after she left the hospital, her parents bought her a golden retriever. One of Smith’s nurses helped her come up with the name “Iggy,” while in the hospital, which is short for the Latin word “ignis,” meaning “fire” in English.

“We got her for the intentions of getting her registered as an ESA [emotional support animal], but she has tended to adopt the same qualities as I do. I have bad PTSD, so any loud noises I get scared of, she is also scared of,” Smith said. “If she is scared and I am scared she comes up to me for comfort. She is my little best friend, and she has attachment issues, so it works for me because I know

C L ASS OF 2021

she’ll never leave me.”

Smith has taken to social media, where she is recognized by the name “Natalie Skye” across all her accounts, to share her story as a burn survivor.

In April of 2020, approximately two months after being at home from the hospital, Smith made her first video on TikTok, a video sharing phone application and platform, detailing her journey since the accident. She recalled that after posting her first video, her existing 3,000 followers grew to 50,000 followers almost instantly. Later, some of her videos would end up with millions of views, encouraging her to keep sharing her story via TikTok. Now, on c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

her TikTok account called “@itsmypersonatalie,” Smith has garnered more than 550,000 followers.

“With TikTok, I have been able to embrace it more, especially because the responses are so positive. Other burn survivors came out and I [realized] I started a little community,” Smith said.

“I like seeing comments from people who are just like, ‘you’ve helped me accept this thing that I have had since I was born,’ or ‘I went through this car accident a few years ago and I’m learning to not hide these scars.’ Before I was self-conscious and I didn’t want anyone to see my scars, but then I was like, ‘okay, it is inevitable. I am just go25

“I always try to tell people to process it as long as you can, but don’t let it consume you. Don’t let it become how you live the rest of your life.

Being depressed is so much more exhausting than it is to just continue on and that is kind of how I got myself out of my own depression.”

— NATALIE SMITH

ing to wear whatever I want.’ Now I try to show off the scars as much as I can to make people wonder in a good way, and not be like, ‘ew, why is she showing that?’” Smith added.

For Smith, many of her videos are created with the intention of educating people and normalizing the differences that make each person unique. Many of her videos demonstrate her process before and after surgeries, or contain detailed explanations of what she has gone through and is still going through as a result of the accident.

“I don’t really get a whole lot of hate compared to other people I follow who are in the burn community. They get a lot of disgusting comments like, ‘you should cover up your scars, because it could be triggering to some people,’ and it’s like, they don’t owe that to anyone,” Smith said.

“I try not to leave any room for questions. I get a lot of repetitive questions like, ‘does it hurt to shower?’ I try to stay on top of it and I’ve repeated myself like a million times on every subject, but I feel that as long as I address those questions, or new questions, people aren’t going to have anything rude to say, because they can’t assume anything,” Smith added.

Smith is also active on other social media platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube. In October of 2020, Smith posted her first YouTube video about the accident and her experience as a burn survivor, which has gained more than 1.8 million views.

Although she has been able to lean on social media as an outlet, as well as the community of burn survivors she has connected with online, the first few months after the accident were very challenging for Smith. She indicated that her relationship with her friends who were present the night 26

of the accident had shifted, as everyone was trying to cope with what had happened in their own ways.

“The friend group that I had the night of the accident kind of drifted apart for a while, because the shock hit a little bit after, and everyone was just trying to process it in a way of their own. I feel like we are better friends now, almost two years after,” Smith said.

Smith shared that it takes a lot of work to fight your way out of depression, especially after a traumatic or life-altering event. She indicated that during the first few months of being home from the hospital, she lacked motivation to get out of bed because of it. Some of her suggestions for others who are feeling similarly to what she had felt are: changing their environment, even if it is just sitting in a different part of the house; texting or calling friends; or doing activities that don’t involve being on your phone.

She noted that once she got her driver’s license, she liked walking around the mall as a distraction from everything else going on.

“Don’t worry too much about what other people are saying, or if someone is staring, don’t overthink it, because that is what I did for the longest time.

There were a couple times we tried to go to restaurants, and we couldn’t even go in because I’d have a breakdown, because there would be someone looking at me,” Smith said.

“I always try to tell people to process it as long as you can, but don’t let it consume you. Don’t let it become how you live the rest of your life. Being depressed is so much more exhausting than it is to just continue on and that is kind of how I got myself out of my own depression,” Smith added.

Even after working toward embracing her new appearance and new reality, T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

Smith stated that her sense of self did change in the process.

“I like to say that it humbled me a little bit, because I was so concerned about my looks. After it happened, I was like, ‘well this doesn’t matter, it’s not the most important thing.’ I choose to not wear makeup more than I used to; before I couldn’t leave the house without having anything on, and now I just feel like more people are going to be looking at my scars rather than what is on my face,” Smith said.

Smith’s own journey of self-acceptance and becoming comfortable in her own skin has led her to new ambitions and career goals. Starting in the summer of 2022, Smith will be attending Douglas J Aveda Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and will be taking her dog, Iggy, with her for her newest chapter.

“For the future, I would really like to help people feel comfortable in their own skin. I’m going to cosmetology school in the summer, so I want to focus on makeup that can help cover people’s scars or doing their hair in a way that makes them focus more on that rather than what else is going on,” Smith said.

Heading into the new year, Smith shared that along with starting her cosmetology studies, she would also like to grow her online platform to reach more people.

“There are a bunch of burn survivors on TikTok, but they are all from different situations, like one girl was in a volcano explosion and other people were in car accidents,” Smith said. “I feel like what I went through is something that people do every day, and don’t realize [the potential danger]. I want to reach more people, and have more people reach out to me to feel comfortable.”

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Life on Our Links Canadian Lakes Hole-In-One Club Winners!!!

The 2021 golf season produced five winners in the Hole-In-One Club. Congratulations to Connie Boudreau (#3 at The Royal), Peggy Grybel (#16 at The Royal), Ken Olshewski (#3 at The Royal), Gloria Rogers (#7 at The Royal) and Michael Fierk (#1 at The Royal during the Firecracker Open). Each player will receive $308.00 in gift certificates for their “ace”. Always remember that you never know when the next shot is going in!

A Full Season of Inclusive Golf DENNIS WOLFE PGA Golf Pro If you have questions about golfing in Canadian Lakes, call Dennis Wolfe at The Royal Golf Shop.

231-972-8979 dwolfe@clpoc.org

We are grateful for the full season of golf we could enjoy in 2021. We started out with nearly 3,000 rounds of golf in April and never looked back! The following is a summary of our activity for the season.

OCTOBER CATEGORY

2021

2020

2019

% CHANGE 2021/2020

Total Rds. 2,218 1,903 1,181 16.60% The Royal 1,693 1,094 1,025 54.70% The Highlands 175

638

0

The Pines 0

0

0

GroupGolfer 350

171

156

104.60%

Highlands open 3 days this year vs. 16 days last year.

(231) 972-8979 6898 Club House Dr E Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

YTD Through OCT. CATEGORY 2021 2020 2019 % CHANGE Total Rds.

43,223 0

32,955 31.20%

The Royal

16,489 0

15,838 4.10%

The Highlands 12,089

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

The Pines

0

12,190 0

GroupGolfer 2,455 0

8,140

48.50%

7,263

67.80%

1,714

43.20%

Not comparing 2021 to 2020 due to COVID closure (for YTD comparison).

Will reintroduce in 2022.

2021 vs. 2019 does compare New Funding Model vs. Old Funding Model.

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

30

GroupGolfer Redemption was 82% ... highest since inception in 2017.

Hats off to our golf maintenance staff for the wonderful playing conditions that they provided us this year. The greens were awesome all season long! We look forward to the completion of the bunker renovations at The Royal, and the cart path repaving at The Pines and The Royal.

Thank you to the members and their families/guests for the overwhelming support of our tournament programs. We had record turnouts for The Derby Dash Scramble, The Firecracker Open and the Chili-Dog Scramble. Our Canadian Lakes Cup qualifying events were sold out or produced record number of entrants. Our golfers clearly enjoy the competitive and fun events that we offer. The 2022 event schedule will be available soon.

As demand remains high, it has created the need for golfers to put more planning into booking their golf. The three major holiday weekends were the busiest that we have had in over a decade. We are at a point where people will be paired with golfers T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

JIM SKARDA 4 FLOORING

they do not know (to accommodate this high level of demand).

Consider it an opportunity to meet your neighbor and make a new friend. We desperately need an automated reservation system and are working towards making this a reality. This would be a wonderful asset to service the needs of our members.

GroupGolfer visits were at an all-time high. We sold just under 3,000 rounds in 2021 and produced 82% redemption of those rounds purchased. We have entertained many repeat customers from GroupGolfer since we started participating in 2017. The repeat customers and first-time visitors are very impressed with The Royal, providing many compliments. We plan to continue our GroupGolfer promotion, however, we are strongly considering reducing the number available for purchase to better accommodate our members.

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Major Winners from the 2021 Season Match Play Blitz: Larry Tucker/Doug Carroll Match Play Sixes: Dave Sheffer/Rick Colonna Men’s Match Play Champion: David Slagter Two-Man Match Play Champions: Bill Groat/Phil Reglin Ladies Match Play Champion: Lynne Edin Ladies Club Champion: Anne Pentecost Men’s Club Champion: Jim Omietanski Men’s Senior Club Champion: Phil Bouman Men’s Super-Senior Club Champion: Hal Raupp

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Score Posting Guidelines for November through March

Cold climate golfers are now in the inactive season regarding score postings. Scores produced after November 1st in Michigan are not valid for posting. Warm climate golfers (south of the Mason/Dickson Line) remain in an active season environment and are required to post scores. All players need to remember that they are subject to peer review. Your peers know if you are playing, and they also know if you are posting. The United States Golf Association (USGA) provides full details on what are acceptable scores for posting purposes. This can be found online at usga.org under the handicapping section.

Hey ... there are Golfers on The Pines during the Off-Season

Yes, that is correct, people can play The Pines during our off-season. This Canadian Lakes tradition was started by Don Bollman (original Canadian Lakes Developer) when The Pines opened in the 1960’s. Until April 1st it is NO CARTS/ NO CHARGE/NO SERVICE. Please follow these simple rules during this time… *Stay off the course when frost is present. *No stationary practice. *Replace your divots. *Repair your ball marks. *Avoid using the tee box to eliminate turf damage and wear. c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS AND A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR.

ROCKGATEREALESTATE.COM Jackie Bissonette, Broker/Owner

231-937-1077 31

Outdoor Mysteries

Ticks on the Rise

BY CHRIS ZIMMERMAN

HALFWAY BETWEEN rinsing the shampoo out of my hair and grabbing a bar of soap, I noticed something stuck to my flank. At first, I thought it was a pine needle or a piece of forest duff. After all, I had spent the day in the woods doing what I love – chasing grouse and woodcock. It’s not uncommon for bits of the forest to get knocked off with my hat and end up under my collar, my tee shirt or stuck to various body parts.

Those aren’t pepper specks on Shorty’s snoot. They’re ticks.

The tiny object didn’t let go when I tried to brush it away. When I gave it a tug, it held on for dear life. Gritting my teeth and grabbing hold, I managed to pop the critter free of its death grip on my hide. Much to my horror, I quickly realized that the object of my angst was a tick, the size of a pinhead. Down the drain it went and up went my dander.

For most of my life, I’ve never had to worry about ticks on me, my family, or our dogs. Then about five to ten years ago, I started noticing ticks on our canine companions. Then “Shorty,” my Brittany, became ill. He had a fever, runny nose, he quit eating and slept almost non-stop. I took him to the local veterinarian who confirmed the macabre diagnosis: Lyme disease.

According to the Yale School of Medicine, Lyme disease was first discovered in Lyme, Connecticut back in 1976. The disease has since spread rapidly across the Northeast and Midwest because of suburbanization into wooded areas, where ticks like to live. Houses like mine in Canadian Lakes are smack dab in the middle of tick country. Thankfully for Deer Tick

Photo credit:Forestry Images and Bugwood.org 32

T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

Shorty, and my family, the antibiotics prescribed by the vet worked. He’s back to his normal, canine self.

If you and your pets spend time outdoors, you’re bound to have ticks.

Shorty got Lyme disease even though he was on a flea and tick repellent. The company whose repellent Shorty was taking returned our money but didn’t offer to pay for his treatment.

At Michigan State University Howard Russell is known as “the Bug Man.” Russell runs the diagnostic lab in the entomology department. “We have about 8-10 species of ticks in Michigan and the most common by far is the deer tick,” he said. “They’re also known as the black-legged tick.”

Of all the ticks in Michigan, deer ticks are the ones that carry Lyme disease. Russell said, “it takes about 48 hours of ticks’ ingesting host’s fluids before the disease passes from the insect to the host. Ticks swell in size as they ingest those fluids. They start out the size of a pinhead but become bloated to the size of a watermelon seed.”

Russell says neighboring states have also had lots of ticks. How did ticks find

their way to Michigan? It’s a mystery easily solved by way of studying nature.

Deer ticks hitched a ride on the backs of birds, small mammals, or whitetail deer.

Birds’ unwittingly carry ticks from region to region during their annual migration.

Ticks are plentiful now, but anecdotal evidence in my travels suggests they’re worse in certain areas of the state. State land near Evart has to be the worst in my experience. I must have picked 25 ticks from Shorty last time I was there in mid-October. Near Grayling, I only found two to three ticks. West of Canadian Lakes—in Lake County— ticks are almost as bad as they are in Evart. Way up north, in the Upper Peninsula, three days of hunting yielded just a handful of ticks.

Fortunately for winter sports enthusiasts, ticks don’t like cold weather. In fact, temperatures below 50 degrees slows down their activity.

Once the thermostat dips below 40, they go dormant.

“Ticks spend the winter as adults,” Russell said. “So, we think it’s important to keep your dogs on preventative medicine all year long.”

Dogs aren’t the only ones who should be on the lookout for ticks. According to the Bay Area Lyme Foundation in California, there are 400,000 new cases of Lyme disease reported each year.

Every state in the union except Hawaii has at least one case.

Russell said that he has found ticks in his bed. Heck, I’ve had them in my bed, and as I said, the shower too.

They give me the creeps. Every time I scratch an itch, I half expect to find a tick is to blame. When I think about the ticks in the carpet at home, the cab of my truck, the vacuum, it really gives me the willies. It’ll be a battle all winter long, indoors, and by the sounds of it, next spring outdoors.

Not much we can do about it. Take precautions with your pets. Watch for creepy crawly things in the shower.

Use bug repellent next spring.

Ticks aren’t going anywhere, or as Russell says, “It’s the new reality.”

CONNECT TO A WORLD OF CARE. mclaren.org/carecentral

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African room

TAKING A WALK ON

the Wild Side

By Joyce B. Wilcox

LIVING YEAR-ROUND in Canadian Lakes for the last several years, I’ve seen my fair share of white-tailed deer, turkey vultures, and snapping turtles. But I’ve never been close enough to examine their fur, feathers, or shells. Okay, I admit I could have gotten fairly close to inspect the turtle’s shell, but I value my digits all too well. Besides, common sense told me to give the dinner-platter-sized creatures their own space, no matter how slowly they are rumored to move.

I never realized until recently that I was living within a twenty-minute drive of getting up close and personal with so many animals from around the world. I mean close enough to count the stripes on a zebra’s head, the points on a moose’s antlers, and each of the bands between the plates of an armadillo. Let me open your world and the door to the Card Wildlife Education Center, located at 826 Campus Drive on the grounds of Ferris State University (FSU) in Big Rapids; it’s where children of all ages are afforded the opportunity to walk on the wild side.

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Opening their doors in 2000, the Card Wildlife Education Center is the dream and generous donation of FSU alumnus, Roger Card. Graduating in 1963 with a degree in Building Construction from FSU’s College of Engineering and Technology, big-gamehunter Card has always given back big-heartedly to his alma mater. As his hunting around the world increased and his trophy room expanded at Card Construction through the years, he began donating single showcases to be displayed in the lobbies of new buildings on the college’s campus.

Card always felt that only a limited number of people would ever get to appreciate viewing these exhibits because these showcases were so isolated at his company and on campus. The dream of a museum began.

“It took over ten years to develop the plan, negotiate the terms, and build our dream. It’s the accumulation of years of hard work by FSU and me to be able to open our doors,” Card said. “Basically, our agreement was that if the university would staff and maintain the facility, I told them that I would build it and donate the animals.”

The result of all those years of dreaming and planning became Ferris State University’s 5,000-square-foot museum dedicated to wildlife education and featuring 286 species of animals from 57 countries. The Card Wildlife Education Center serves as an educational resource for FSU students, K-12 school children, as well as the entire Michigan community. Over 9,000 visitors tour the facility annually and it’s become one of the primary draws to the university and Big Rapids. Visitors come from all over

Roger Card

Michigan, from around the country, and yes, even from around the world to see these animals.

If you’re anything like me, where the only difference that you know of between a bongo and an impala is that one is a set of drums and the other is the car your father drove, you may appreciate the assistance readily available at the museum. There are many mounted informational plaques throughout the exhibits explaining facts about the animals and their environment. For any questions you may have, I found the FSU student guides to be personable, most helpful, and well versed on all things regarding the animals, the habitats, as well as the hunts. You may take all the pictures you want of these animals, but for preservation purposes, they ask that

you please not touch any of them, no matter how tempting it may seem.

“When you take kids to the zoo, they might be disappointed to discover that some animals can’t be seen due to the exhibit’s habitat, weather conditions, or the time of day. And for the most part, you can’t get very close,” Card said. “But when you come to our museum, you can always see them, and you can get up close.”

Roger Card is very proud of his record as an ethical hunter. His emphasis has been on the integrity and fairness in hunting through the rules, restrictions, and guidelines within each country.

Wherever he’s hunted, his hunting efforts helped feed the locals as well as those who would be hunting the same animals themselves instead of also being

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Deep sea, Coral reef, and fresh waters of the Amazon

paid to serve as his guides. He explained that these regulations help to maintain the balance in nature while preserving the natural food chain in the region.

It helps to prevent one species from overpopulating and consuming the food source of other species. Part of the fees for hunting licenses also helps prevent ruthless poaching around the world, a cause which Card strongly supports.

For Card’s efforts and accomplishments, the Safari Club International awarded him the World Conservation and Hunting Award in 2009.

“This award is the pinnacle of my lifetime of participating in this sport,” Card said. “This trophy is one of only sixty awarded worldwide and is on display behind the entry desk of the museum.

With recent remodeling and renovations taking place at the wildlife center, the seven rooms have been reconfigured to realistically display the specimens within each room. You enter the museum at an ungulate (hooved mammals) exhibit, where you are greeted by the sheep and goats from around the world, as well as many of their predators such 36

as cougars and snakes. Starting with those animals residing at the highest mountainous altitudes of 16,500 feet and descending until you reach those living in the rocky desserts, the exhibit is breathtaking. You get a sense of each animal’s habitat and the hunter’s experience.

To hunt the Himalayan blue sheep of China, Card had to ride a horse up the mountains to 15,000 feet.

“From that point I walked, if you can call it that,” he said. “I’m only doing ten feet every two to three minutes. The air is very thin and it’s hard to breathe at that altitude. That was my most challenging hunt.”

The Africa room comes next on your tour with a vast assortment of large and small wildlife literally ranging from A to Z, with everything from antelope to zebra. This exhibit includes what’s known to hunters as the Big Five: cape buffalo, lion, elephant, rhino, and leopard.

“When you hunt an animal that can hunt you, it becomes a whole different story,” said Card. “My most dangerous hunt was the elephant. We tracked for two days walking through a tunnel of T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

tall grass created by the elephant. I was almost trampled when the elephant started backtracking.”

If it hadn’t been for his fast-thinking guide who grabbed Card by the collar to yank him out of the way, he’s not sure what would have happened.

Upon turning the corner of the Africa room visitors encounter a few transitional display stations featuring horns, antlers, jaws, skulls, and hides. This area permits visitors to examine, touch, and read more about the animals. There is also an adjacent area to learn more about Roger Card and other individuals involved in the creation and maintenance of the museum.

Next on your journey is the Canadian and Arctic zone, which even includes a polar bear and walrus. Walking through this exhibit is quite a bit different from Card’s hunting trip on a dogsled where he quickly learned about the rough ride and blizzard conditions in the area.

“You make the discovery that there are no shock absorbers or springs for your comfort,” said Card. “Traveling and hunting are very different here. You also

Natives to the Upper Peninsula

learn that all your clothing from sporting goods stores is impractical. Triple-layered moisture-wicking materials are useless compared to the locals’ seal-skin suits and mukluks.”

Stepping next into the Michigan room, visitors walk across a wooden floor constructed entirely of boards made from the various trees native to our state. This labeled pathway divides the room into a forest region of the Upper Peninsula display on the left and a marshy wetland area of the lower mitt on the right. In this room the wildlife ranges from black bear, mountain lion, and moose to white-tailed deer, possum, and beaver and virtually every other animal native to Michigan that you can think of.

All of this is enhanced with a faux water display filled with various fish, turtles, and waterfowl.

Some of these Michigan animals were even added to the museum by chance. Such was the case when several years ago Roger Card’s father called to notify Roger that there was a deer on his property in distress. As he was watching the animal, the doe dropped a dead premature fawn. Roger told his father, “Put it in the freezer and we’ll add it to the Michigan room at the museum.” As you walk through the exhibit, look carefully in the Lower Peninsula section by the doorway to the next room and you’ll see this tiny creature delicately preserved.

From the Great Lakes region of the Michigan room, you next encounter the fish room. Here you feel as though you’re taking a walk underwater. The lights are dimmer, the iridescent glow of mysterious sea creatures surrounds you, and marine exhibits are on display at, above,

and below eye level. This room has fabulous examples of what the environment looks like in three different regions: the deep sea, a coral reef, and the fresh water of the Amazon. This is definitely a mustsee exhibit to fully appreciate it.

The antler game room with its many deer and moose surrounds the conference/meeting room at the museum. In this area visitors may view a myriad of game, including the rack from the largest moose in the world ever shot. The room is also set up to house tables and chairs for several different interactive activities for children of all ages. Whether it’s a short multiple-choice quiz on learned animal facts, a scavenger hunt throughout the museum with clues, a museum word scramble sheet, or a variety of animal coloring sheets, there’s something for everyone to do.

The Card Wildlife Education Center is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, due to staffing shortages hours may be reduced – please check before you go. The location is 820 Campus Drive in Big Rapids and the phone number is 231-591-5387. The museum suggests that you call ahead to check if any tours are scheduled or if they’re closed due to a campus break.

So, if you’re hunting for somewhere interesting to go this winter and you want to walk on the wild side while staying inside, why not try visiting the Card Wildlife Education Center at Ferris State?

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Joyce’s

CHOICES

by Joyce B. Wilcox

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WITH WINTER KNOCKING on the windows in Canadian Lakes and the holidays taunting us on the calendar, I thought it might just be a good time to introduce you to a few books for your winter stockpile. Hopefully you’ll find something to unwind with or perhaps a good read to transport you across the miles this winter. I’ve checked and these books are not only on display in my home, but are either available to you at the Morton Township Library, the Canadian Lakes Library, or Barnes & Noble.

The first three are delightful Christmas stories with whimsical, humorous plots from three totally different locales: Adelaide, Oklahoma; Nantucket, Massachusetts; and Leavenworth, Washington.

All three of these stories will help ease you into a festive holiday spirit and offer a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of this time of the year. Following the holiday tales are three more novels for you to enjoy, with a little more substance to sustain you through the bitter cold of January. There’s a suspense thriller from Fort Sumter, South Carolina; a literary T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

psychological thriller from Beartown in Sweden; and a historical fiction novel taking place in London, England.

You can curl up with a warm read this winter or possibly add some books to your wish list in your letter to Santa; either way I encourage you to check out these six novels.

Merry, Merry Ghost by Carolyn Hart Yes! A Christmas mystery with a ghost!

Longtime mystery writer, winner of multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards, and one of the founders of Sisters in Crime, Carolyn Hart is a writer whom you will want to place on any must-read list if you haven’t already done so. Author of over seventy books, she is the equivalent of the Eveready Energizer Bunny, still writing at age 84. Hart not only has a flair for attention to descriptive detail

in each scene, but she also immediately places the reader into the action on the page by writing her tale in the first person. An accomplished author of traditional mysteries, also known as cozy mysteries, Hart weaves a suspenseful warm fuzzy of a Christmas tale as she reprises her lovable ghost, Bailey Ruth.

Merry, Merry Ghost is the story of an ailing, wealthy woman with many servants, but no longer with any heirs.

Susan Flynn discovers on her deathbed that she has a young grandson so she decides to change her will to include him. Unfortunately, prior to signing the newly drafted document, Susan is found dead the next day. Her death, however, is thought to be suspicious.

An irrepressible spirit, emissary Bailey Ruth is given the task by Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions to come to earth, protect the grandson, foil a murderer, and save Christmas. And if there’s Bailey Ruth, there must be a fair share of mishaps. Spoiler alert: everyone has a motive for murder.

Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand This is a Christmas present from Nantucket wrapped in several love stories, tied up with family squabbles, laced with cottage inn charm, and with more than enough beaus to go around. Elin Hilderbrand has a gift for writing captivating narrative and including fascinating characters reminiscent of the troubled relatives seated at everyone’s holiday table gatherings.

Readers can’t help but be drawn into the family drama.

Winter Street captures the sense of island life, the chaos of family life, and the heart of hectic holiday life at Christmas.

The story begins with Kelley Quinn, the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn, preparing for the Christmas holidays and the town’s annual party at the inn. Of course, Kelley’s four children have their fair share of marital, financial and commitment chaos to add to the mix this Christmas. This family has enough drama for all, from love triangles to unplanned pregnancies and from federal crimes to the discovery of Kelley’s

second wife, Mitzi, having an affair with the inn’s Santa Claus. And don’t forget Kelley’s ex-wife, Margaret, the Barbara Walters of news casting, returning to the inn for her holiday visit with her children. Add some mulled cider, clandestine encounters, financial woes, and endless caroling and you have Christmas at the Winter Street Inn. Trading Christmas

by Debbie Macomber What better time of the year is there than the Christmas holidays to cuddle up with a warm, witty, well-written novel by best-selling author Debbie Macomber? She has a knack for writing stories reminiscent of old romantic comedies filled with memorable characters and exaggerated subplots.

This holiday tale seems to contain Mary Bailey and Scrooge, with an added splash of Chevy Chase for laughs. Known for her impressive skills with characterization and the ability to spin a good story, Macomber will warm your heart with Trading Christmas this holiday season.

This is the touching tale of Emily, a widowed mother of one, who decides to leave her home in Leavenworth, Washington and surprise her adult daughter in Boston for Christmas. To accomplish her surprise, she swaps houses online with Charles, a history professor in Boston, who wants to escape the commercialism and hectic holiday pace of big-city life. Upon arrival in their rental homes, Emily discovers that her daughter has left for Florida for the holidays and Charles finds that Leavenworth is the endlessly cheerful equivalent of Santa’s village. Since she’s Macomber, she must flirt with romance, so Emily’s best friend pays a surprise visit to Leavenworth expecting Emily, but instead finds Charles. Then of course Charles’s brother shows up in Boston expecting to see Charles, but finds Emily. Close encounters of the coincidence kind, so will there be love by happenstance? All of this culminates into a combination of chaos, confusion, and a curmudgeon at Christmas, so curl up and enjoy! c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

Beartown by Fredrik Backman Yes, the same creative author who brought you A Man Called Ove has managed to bring a small Swedish town to life and write a snippet of that town’s biography.

Backman weaves an enthralling, suspenseful, gut-wrenching, yet hopeful tale of a tiny, flailing community attempting to hang on by their hopes and dreams. He manages to seize his audience in the first sentence and masterfully crafts a narrative which thrusts the reader into the hearts, minds, and souls of the struggling townspeople of Beartown. It’s a book that you won’t want to put down and also a book that makes you wonder why it took you so long to pick it up.

With jobs disappearing, neighbors forced to flee, and their dreams dashed, the residents of Beartown attempt to come together and embrace their one hope for their struggling community: the opportunity for their junior ice hockey team to have a chance in the national semifinals. A championship could turn the town around by returning their pride and giving the townspeople something for which to hope. When nothing else in this small town is going right, the pressure placed on the hockey team is overwhelming, brutal, and at times, devastating. Then something horrible happens. (You’ll have to read the book to find out.) The character of each character is stretched and measured, causing the reader to examine closely what transpires. I was drawn into this story from the beginning and was compelled to discover how this masterful writer would weave his tale. I wasn’t disappointed in the least and I believe that you won’t be disappointed either.

Outfox by Sandra Brown How does an author of a suspense-thriller capture an audience? Sandra Brown achieves it the same way that 39

her protagonist attempts to capture the villain: relentlessly uncovering the clues one-by-one. With a page-turner which begins with the simple sentence, “A cheerless drizzle blurred any view of the body on the beach,” Sandra Brown surely does capture you. Enter consummate FBI agent Drex Easton, a man who has for years pursued Weston Graham, a dangerous sociopath and master of disguises. Graham has conned and masqueraded his way into the lives of eight women over the years. Having successfully embezzled and escaped with their fortunes, Graham disappears into the woodwork while each of these

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women mysteriously vanishes. But this time a body unexpectedly washes up on shore and evidence begins emerging, possibly indicating a suspect. Will Easton finally catch his killer or will their cat and mouse game continue?

Who will be outfoxed this time and how?

The author of over seventy books, Sandra Brown began her writing career in 1981 after her husband dared her to write a novel. We owe a debt of gratitude to Michael Brown because Sandra mastered her craft long ago and has been on the New York Times bestsellers’ list repeatedly. I recently had

T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

the pleasure of learning more about her when she appeared as a guest at one of the Metro-Detroit Book and Author Society’s meetings and I purchased this book. I was not disappointed to hear that she was still writing. With action that excites, dialogue that pops, and suspense that sustains, you’ll be thrilled to read Sandra Brown’s suspenseful psychological thriller, Outfox.

Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford This is a touching tale which captures your heart and imagination as you turn the pages of history. With a captivating narrative woven throughout the tumultuous times of London during the 1920s and ‘30s, the reader is treated to the fascinating world of radio in its infancy as seen through the eyes of Maisie Musgrave, a young secretary for the British Broadcasting Corporation. Maisie’s personal relationships, as well as her rising career at the BBC, are interlaced with the changes taking place in society. Still recovering from the aftermath of WWI and while simultaneously uncovering the signs of a looming WWII, Maisie and the reader are also introduced to the history of women’s rights, politics, and the arts in Great Britain and the United States. The personal and political plots of this well-written novel are entwined, entertaining and make for an enthralling read.

Sarah-Jane Stratford has the ability to capture history and capture your heart with Radio Girls. She breathes life into historical events and people by creating additional memorable characters, all the while making headlines and memories within the media. Possessing both a knack for narration and dexterity for dialogue, Stratford not only brings history to life, she brings history across the pond.

So whether you’re curled up by the fireplace this winter or reclining on some sandy beach, you might just want to spend some time lost in your imagination with one of these authors.

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Red light operating

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et again, we look out our windows to an ever-changing landscape, from the bright orange and red of fall, to the brilliant white landscape of winter. Not only is our landscape changing but our population is as well; with the incoming snow out goes many of our members to warmer climates. This brings about new challenges for your safety team daily, one that we could not meet without the wonderful volunteers of the Mobile Watch program. What you may not know is that the volunteers of the Mobile Watch cover every road in Canadian Lakes every day, a feat that is not possible for the safety team to do alone. Never is this more crucial than in the winter months during our Red light/Winter Watch Program. This winter you can rest assured that the vigilant volunteers of the Mobile Watch program are ready and willing to help. Remember you can always call your Safety team at 231-972-8555 should you come across a red light shining in a window at a neighbor’s house or on your travels throughout the community.

Red Light Program/Winter Watch – Members that find themselves heading toward warmer climates during the winter months or those that just don’t make it up here as often have the option of enrolling in the red light/Winter Watch Program. You may register for the program by filling out the registration form found online at members.canadianlakes. org, click, Governing, then Documents & Forms tabs, or you can stop into the CLPOC office, and pick up the form. Once the form is filled out then return it to the CLPOC office. A list of participants is then compiled from the forms that are turned in each year, a new form MUST be completed each year.

Members that choose to participate in the program should purchase a “winter watchman” box, this is a secondary thermostat that activates a switch connected to a lamp with a red light bulb should the temperature in the Red light and winter watchman box home drop below a certain temperature.

The red light should be placed in a window that is easily visible from the road and the temperature setting on the watchman should be set around 10-15 degrees below your preferred winter setting, while keeping it above 30 degrees. Rest assured that your ever vigilant Mobile Watch volunteers and your dedicated Safety team are always on the lookout to keep our community and your home safe.

ORV’s and Snowmobile’s – ABSOLUTELY NO ORV’s, Snowmobiles, or other motorized vehicles are permitted on ANY golf course or common Area. This includes the hills around the Castle, Highland Haus, and Alpine Haus. The “existing trails” were created over the years by riders without permission. This has caused extensive erosion to the T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

hillside. Within the Canadian Lakes Community, ORV’s and Snowmobiles may only be operated on the road edge as far right as possible, or on the frozen lake surface. 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 ORV’s and Snowmobiles are required to be registered with the CLPOC office and are required to visibly display the CLPOC registration sticker.

Ice Fishing Safety – Please use common sense when it comes to our lakes in the winter. All it takes is one weak spot in the ice for a fun day to take a bad turn and possibly cause loss of life. While our fire department is very well trained in ice rescue your safety team is NOT. What this means is that should you fall through the ice, you are relying on first someone seeing you, and second that person being able to call 911. Make sure that if you choose to venture out on our lakes this season to do some ice fishing that you have a buddy and that you also let someone on shore know where you will be fishing and what time you will be done. That way if something happens, the professionals will know where to start looking. Enjoy the season but be safe!

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PLEASE SHOW YOUR CONCERN for those in need by giving a generous donation at the Salvation Army Red Kettles, especially those at Canadian Lakes Refuse Center and Lakeside Motorsports Open House, plus the counter kettles at Hixson’s Family Market, Fates, and Conley’s Bakery. All donations are used to benefit people in the four-county area served by Big Rapids Salvation Army.

If you are responding to a Salvation Army mail appeal, please consider depositing your donation in the Refuse Center or Lakeside Red Kettle, rather than mailing it in.

The money ends up at the same place, but it will help our Red Kettle total. To volunteer for attending any Red Kettle, contact Dale Doepker, dtroutman97@aol.com, 972-8663.

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God's Helping Hands WILL BE CLOSED for the holidays after Friday, December 17, 2021, and will re-open on Tuesday, January 3, 2022. Everyone is encouraged to visit and shop at the resale store, as the money raised from these sales is the main source of income for purchasing food, which is donated to needy families. They are open only on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Located on 50th Ave, just south of M20. Prices are generally lower than any other resale store in our county, and better than most garage sales.

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Mary E. Miller, O.D. 45

Transition from Summer to Winter Patrols

BY ROGER STOBERT MOBILE WATCH COORDINATOR

46

MOBILE WATCH has transitioned from summer to winter patrols.

In the summer, our primary function is a deterrent, watching for mischievous and suspicious activities, and helping lost residents and visitors. In the winter months, we continue this summer function, but also keep a watchful eye out for those red lights.

Red Lights Red lights are used to identify a potential home heating system problem. Residents who have left their Canadian Lakes home for warmer climates install these red lights and attached thermostats to illuminate the red light if the temperature in their home drops below a preset value.

While we check every house for red lights, we give special attention to those homes that have completed the Residential Vacation Form.

For those who install a red light, but don’t fill out a Resident Vacation Form, you are not helping yourself.

These forms include your contact information and help Canadian Lakes Safety if there were problems at your home. If you are gone and have not filled out this form, Canadian Lakes Safety may not be able to contact you as quickly or even at all. Please note that a new form is needed for each absence. They do NOT roll over year to year!

The form also includes instructions for installing the red light. You provide the information regarding who to contact if a problem should develop at your home while you’re away. These forms are available at the CLPOC office or on the Canadian Lakes website. On the CLPOC website, click on “Governing”, then “Documents and Forms”, then under Online Forms, Residential Vacation Form (Red Light), https://members. canadianlakes.org/wp-content/ T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

uploads/2018/03/2018ResidentialVacation-Information-Form.pdf.

Canadian Lakes Safety provides Mobile Watch with a list of the homes registered with this free service.

Open Garage Doors It only takes a moment for an opportunistic criminal to gain access to your home via an open garage door.

Nationally, thirty percent of all home burglaries happen because of unlocked and/or open doors.

Criminal statistics show that most burglaries occur between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Mobile Watch volunteers report to Canadian Lakes Safety garage doors left open where it appears no one is at home – no cars in the driveway or garage, no lights on in the house, no evidence of a homeowner working in the yard. When Mobile Watch alerts Canadian Lakes Safety, an officer will come to the home and will ring the doorbell to see if the resident is at home. If there is no answer, the Safety officer will close the garage door to secure the home from unwanted entry.

Please keep your home secure by closing and locking all doors, especially when you are not home. Rest assured that Mobile Watch and Canadian Lakes Safety will do all they can to keep your home and valuables secure.

Helping Stranded Motorists During the snowy months ahead, we occasionally encounter residents and visitors who are stuck in snow or have slid-off the road. If the resident or visitor needs assistance, the patroller will contact Canadian Lakes Safety to offer aid. Upon arrival, the Safety officer will attempt to assist the motorist, but if the job is too big, Canadian Lakes Safety can arrange for a reliable tow company to remedy the situation.

On-Street Parking During the Winter Months Between November 1 and March 31 from 3:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., vehicles may not park on Canadian Lakes roadways or road shoulders. Exceptions may be granted by contacting Canadian Lakes Safety at 231-972-8555. The purpose of this restriction is to facilitate snow removal and for emergency vehicle access. Homeowners risk their vehicles being towed if their vehicles block snowplows and graders. If you have special circumstances regarding on-street parking during the winter months, please contact Canadian Lakes Safety at (231-972-8555) to see if an exemption is possible.

Off-Road Vehicles Here is a refresher on the use of Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) in Canadian Lakes: An off-road vehicle (ORV) is defined as any motor vehicle that can be operated cross-country over land, snow, and/or other natural terrain, or on the frozen lake surface without the benefit of a road or trail. ORV’s shall not be operated in or on any Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation (CLPOC) Designated Common Facility (Area).

Within the Canadian Lakes community, ORVs may only be operated on the shoulder of the road, or road edge if no shoulder exists, or on the frozen lake surface, or other areas designated by the Board of Directors.

Any person aged 12-15 years’ operating an ORV, trail bike, golf cart, snowmobile, etc. on any CLPOC owned road shoulder, road edge or frozen lake surface, must have an ORV certificate and be under the visual supervision of a parent or guardian. Persons under the age of 12 shall not be permitted to operate any type of motor vehicle on CLPOC approved property. All types of motorized vehicles operating on CLPOC approved property shall be required to be registered with the CLPOC office and shall visibly display the appropriate CLPOC sticker. This rule is for your safety and the safety of your family and friends.

Friends and Neighbors Mobile Watch, like most volunteer groups in Canadian Lakes, is always in the state of flux. Participation in Canadian Lakes clubs and organizations change because of health, family dynamics, age, interest, or for a myriad of other reasons. Although we do our best to retain our existing members for as long as possible, we need new volunteers to help sustain Mobile Watch’s longevity. Mobile Watch encourages its volunteers to talk to their friends and neighbors about the purpose and duties of a Mobile Watch volunteer and how their involvement promotes the safety and security of our community and its residence.

If you know of someone interested in joining Mobile Watch, please contact Roger Stobert, Mobile Watch Coordinator, at 231-288-0148 or spankky@charter.net.

I would like to extend holiday greetings to all the volunteers of Mobile Watch, Merry Christmas and happy

New Year! Because of your selfless duty, our Canadian Lakes residents can rest a bit easier knowing that their homes and the safety of their families are regularly monitored by a group of dedicated volunteers. One of the greatest joys of this season is the opportunity to say thank you for all you do and to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year! The Mobile Watch would like to wish all Canadian Lakers, wherever you are spending your holidays, a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022! Your Mobile Watch will keep a vigilant eye on your homes to help ensure Santa’s arrival and departure are without incident.

— Roger Stobert, MW Coordinator, on behalf of Mobile Watch Patrollers

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47

CLPOC Board Minutes CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Saturday, September 25, 2021 (Highland Haus) 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by President Paul Szymkowicz at 9:00 a.m. Board members present were Vice President John Colley, Treasurer James French, Secretary Linda Tilley, and directors Dan Rice and Steve Wilcox. Directors Dan Altier, Bob Halpin and Jerry Juncker were absent.

2. Staff members: Greg Babbitt (via Zoom), Jessica Slendak, Kim Dowell 3. Approval of the Agenda: Motion by French / Support Wilcox Approved 5/0 (Altier, Halpin and Juncker absent) AUSTIN AND MORTON TOWNSHIP REPORTS: Neither Austin nor Morton Townships submitted a report 1. President’s Report: President Szymkowicz thanked all the staff members and volunteers for all their efforts to help make Canadian Lakes the great place it is.

2. Financial Report: Controller Dowell presented the current financial statements. Note: As of the end of August, 228 lots have outstanding 2020 balances and 168 lots have outstanding balances from 2019.

Efforts to collect are ongoing.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. ACC: Secretary Tilley reported that approval of the requests for one new home and a fence. At least two more homes are in the works to be presented to the committee for approval.

2. CLA Liaison: Director Rice reports the CLA met in September.

September 8 was the revised date for the Ice Cream Social, everyone enjoyed the opportunity to visit with other members. On September 30 a financial class on money management will be held, and there will be a Flu Shot Clinic on Friday, October 1 at the Highland Haus at 9 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m., please bring ID. A Halloween Dance will 48

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

be held on Saturday, October 30 for the adults and on October 31 a Trick or Treat event for the children from 5-6:30 p.m. Shopping spree continues until Monday, November 29. John and Tracie Lelekatch were the membership appreciation winners for this month.

Executive: The committee met to discuss legal issues and to review a request by Jessica Slendak, marketing manager, and agenda for the Annual Members Meeting.

Finance: Treasurer French reports met on Tuesday, review 2022 budget. CPA also attended to meet with the committee to review a draft copy of 2021 audit report. The Fiscal 2022 budget requirements and CPI potential adjustments were reviewed. The Funding Plan subcommittee will give an update on the 5-year funding plan.

Lot Default AdHoc: Director Rice filled in for Director Halpin and reports the update: general information final report draft is on final review committee first 2 full weeks Oct 23 Board meeting. Study reports will be presented to the Board at the October meeting and posted on the members website at the same time. Michigan State Land Bank has completed strategic plan, setting legal framework with land bank for disposition/sale of properties held by Land Bank. Currently the state land bank has halted all sales during the strategic planning process. Qualified buyers of vacant properties and adjacent lots will go forward after the report is presented. Director Wilcox offered a list of questions to be taken back to the Committee Chair.

Nominating Committee: President Szymkowicz reported the committee met to finalize the three questions for Meet the Candidate forum. The forum will be held after the CLA Meeting.

Strategic Planning: Secretary Tilley and Vice President Colley filled in for Director Altier, and reported T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

the committee has narrowed the software options for Canadian Lakes to two providers. The systems are comprehensive, including online golf reservations and member information. The Committee is reviewing ideas for revenue growth, especially as it relates to the Castle and Royal Grille. The consideration of allowing two events per weekend, doubling the income, and enhanced operations at the restaurant and a snack shack which can be used at other events.

GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT: 1. The Agenda packet contains reports on amenity usage and safety activity.

2. Each month one of the department heads will attend the board meeting to present their reports in person. Bill Hull, Maintenance Superintendent reported this month. A new maintenance worker has been hired, Castle exterior repairs are underway, the cart paths and bunkers are being redone, the airport fence replacement is nearly complete, irrigation lines are being replaced at the Royal and improved playground equipment adjacent to the outdoor pool will be purchased next year. Please have your boat out of the water by October 31.

The Lake Committee is looking for better weed control methods.

3. The Fawn Lake dam project is moving forward, the surveys are continuing to help determine the final plan for repairs. Plans should be presented in mid-November.

4. Please note: The departmental reports, normally listed here, have been posted on the Canadian Lakes website for your convenience.

5. Consent Calendar: The notes from the Board Workshop Meeting August 11, 2021, and Board Meeting August 28, 2021, and the receipt and filing of the August 2021 Check Disbursements were presented for approval. Motion by

CLPOC Board Minutes Tilley, Support by French Approved 5/0. (Altier, Halpin, Juncker absent) 6. Members Comments on Items for action or discussion: None.

ITEMS FOR ACTION: 1. Approval of 2021 Annual Meeting Election Inspectors: Motion to appoint Board President Paul Szymkowicz, Gloria Rogers, Barb Collinge, Deb Maccaddino, Millie Spinney, Lynn Tracy, Tim Collinge, John Napiewocki, Dick Rogers, Ron Spinney and Pete Zeimis as Election Inspectors for the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Members to be held November 20, 2021. Motion by Wilcox, Support by Rice Approved 5/0 (Altier, Halpin, Juncker absent).

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Replacement Signs for Pines, Royal North and Trapper Woods Subdivisions: The old wooden signs can no longer be maintained and should be replaced. The new signs will be made of composite material and will resemble the newer version of the signs.

2. Move to suspend the rules by Wilcox, Support by Rice Approved 5/0 (Altier Halpin and Juncker absent) 3. Move to approve the request for new signs, not to exceed $10,500 by Rice, Support Wilcox Approved 5/0 (Altier, Halpin and Juncker absent) 4. Members’ Comments: None 5. Directors’ Comments: None 6. Member Communication Re-

quirements: Notice of the date for Members in Good Standing to be eligible to vote and notice of dates and times for the Sessions presenting the changes to the Articles of Incorporation.

7. Executive Session: None needed.

8. Adjournment: Adjourned at 9:58 a.m.

9. Notes: The next Board Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the CLPOC office, beginning at 5:30 p.m.; the next scheduled Board Meeting is at the Highland Haus beginning at 9:00 a.m. on October 23, 2021.

Respectfully submitted by Linda Tilley (Minutes are printed as submitted.)

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Saturday, October 24, 2021 (Highland Haus) 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by President Paul Szymkowicz at 9:00 a.m. Board members present were Vice President John Colley, and Director Steve Wilcox. James French, treasurer, Linda Tilley, secretary, and directors Dan Altier, Bob Halpin and Jerry Juncker attended via Zoom. Director Rice was absent.

2. Staff members: Greg Babbitt, Lindsay Halcomb, Kim Dowell 3. Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Wilcox / Support French Approved 7/0 (Rice absent) AUSTIN AND MORTON TOWNSHIP REPORTS: 1. Neither Austin nor Morton Townships submitted a report 2. President’s Report: President Szymkowicz thanked the members attending or watching the meeting for taking the time out of their day. As summer is winding down, the popular summer amenities are being closed and the winter amenities are getting ready to open. The skating rink, tubing hill, ice fishing and cross-country skiing will be underway soon. The indoor pool and the Royal Grille

remain open and ready for your use.

3. Financial Report: Controller Dowell presented the current financial statements. Note: As of the end of September, 224 lots have outstanding 2020 balances and 165 lots have outstanding balances from 2019. Efforts to collect are ongoing.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. ACC: Secretary Tilley reported approval of plans for three new homes and three additions to existing homes. At least 2 more homes are in the works to be presented to the committee for approval.

1. CLA Liaison: Director Rice was unable to attend. Secretary Tilley reported on his behalf. The CLA Flu Clinic on October 8th allowed 141 people to get their flu shot. Upcoming events are: The Halloween Dance on Saturday, October 30 for the adults and on October 31 a Trick or Treat event at the Castle for the children from 5-6:30 p.m. The Annual Cook-off this year will be on November 4 at the Highland Haus and is c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

a Chili Cook-off. Please bring a muffin tin to carry your samples for tasting. November 6 is the Welcome New Member event at the Highland Haus. November 8 is Gal’s Night out at the Royal.

Reservations must be made in advance. November 11 is Veteran’s recognition at the Highland Haus.

November 27 is the Christmas Craft Show at the Castle from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shopping spree continues until Monday, November 29. Details for all these events can be found in the Lite Lines and on the CLA Website. David Jochen received a Membership Appreciation $25 Gift Card.

1. Executive: The committee met to discuss legal issues, to view a proposal by Director Wilcox and discuss new signage.

1. Finance: Treasurer French reports the Committee met on to review the current year budget and projections for year end.

The CPA has presented the audit report and the advisory letter is being prepared. There was some discussion of the 2022 budget.

The Replacement and Reserve review committee is preparing 49

CLPOC Board Minutes a report. The Lot Default and Strategic Planning Committee provided updates.

1. Lot Default AdHoc: Director Halpin gave an overview of the activities of the committee and the final report. A copy of the report is posted on the Canadian Lakes website. You are encouraged to review the information and ask any questions if needed.

Director Juncker mentioned that there was a tremendous amount of work done by this committee, especially by Director Halpin and Jo Alex. Director Colley thanked the committee for the work done by the committee, the information collected, and the relationship built with the Michigan State Land Bank.

2. Nominating Committee: President Szymkowicz reported the committee did not meet this month, the committee’s tasks are nearly complete. The final tasks will be completed after the elec-

tion. He thanked the committee and everyone who helped make the Meet the Candidates event a success. He also thanked the six candidates for volunteering to serve.

3. Strategic Planning: Director Altier reported that the IT committee had two online software demos with the staff. The plan is to find software to make work more efficient for the staff and to increase member satisfaction.

He also discussed the similarity of the Lot Default Committee findings and the staff ’s recommendation for improvements and enhancements.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT: 1. The Agenda packet contains reports on amenity usage and safety activity.

2. Each month one of the department heads will attend the board meeting to present their reports

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in person. Kendall Ouwinga was to report this month but was not able to attend. She will present at the next Board meeting. The golf course cart paths are ready for repaving, waiting for our contractor. The airport fence has been completed, Timberlane has been repaved from Dubois to the back gate. The Indian Bridge irrigation project will be started on Monday.

3. The Fawn Lake dam project is moving forward, the surveys are completed, and the final determination of the needed repairs is underway. Plans should be presented in Mid-November.

4. Please note: The departmental reports, normally listed here, have been posted on the Canadian Lakes website for your convenience.

5. Consent Calendar: The Minutes from the September 25, 2021, Board Meeting and the receipt and filing of the September 2021 Check Disbursements were pre-

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CLPOC Board Minutes sented for approval. Motion

by Tilley, Support by Wilcox Approved 7/0. (Rice absent) 6. Members Comments on Items for action or discussion: None.

7. Items for Action: None presented.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 8. Purchase and installation of a walk-in cooler: This is to be placed in the basement of the Royal Grille and will also add 5 new drink taps. The new cooler will take the place of two portable

coolers currently used for this purpose and will provide a safer environment for the workers. The cost will not exceed $20,000. $5,000 is currently in the Replacement Reserve accountfor this project.

9. Treasurer French Moved to suspend the rules, Support by Colley Passed 7/0 (Rice absent) 10. Approve an expenditure not to exceed $20,000 for a new walk-in cooler and five new taps. Motion

by French, Support Colley Passed 7/0 (Rice absent)

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11. Receive and File Annual Audit: The final audit report will be presented at the November Board Meeting.

12. Members’ Comments: Jim Brakora, a member at large of the Lot default Committee, congratulated both Chairman Halpin and member at large Jo Alex for their yeoman’s effort to make sure this report come to fruition. He also expressed his hope that the report will be utilized and not filed away.

13. Directors’ Comments: Director Halpin complimented the electronic voting system. Director Altier congratulated the Lot Default Committee on a job well done.

14. Member Communication Requirements: None 15. Executive Session: Recessed to Executive Session at 10:17 a.m.

16. Reconvened: At 11:00 a.m.

17. Name Change for the Pines Entrance Sign: The sign is slated for replacement; this is the optimum time to correct the name to read: Canadian Lakes East.

Moved by Wilcox, Support Tilley Approved 7/0 (Rice Absent) 18. Adjournment: Adjourned at 11:02 a.m.

19. Notes: The next Board Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the CLPOC office, beginning at 5:30 p.m.; the next scheduled Board Meeting is at the Highland Haus beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021.

20. Seven members were present at the meeting and eight people watched online.

Respectfully submitted by Linda Tilley (Minutes are printed as submitted.)

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Let’s Get Social, Canadian Lakes DAY TIME

MONDAY

TUESDAY

2nd

2nd 2nd 2nd

WEDNESDAY 1st 3rd

2nd 1st 2nd 3rd

THURSDAY

4th 4th 1st, 3rd

FRIDAY SATURDAY

1st 4th 2nd

ACTIVITY

NOTE: All activities are open to Canadian Lakes property owners, family members, and guests. Property owners are asked to obtain guest passes from the CLPOC office.

SEASONAL

LOCATION

9:30 am 1 pm 3:30-5 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 9 am 1 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 2-3 pm 9-11 am 10 am 10 am-4 pm 11:30 am 12:30 pm 1 pm 1 pm 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm

Melody Makers (ladies) Apr-Jul/Sept-Dec. Dotted Cubes (bunko) Canadian Lakes Men’s Chorus Apr-Dec. Euchre Club Camera Club Every other Mon Morton Township Meeting Odd months Pool Cue League Oct-Dec/Jan-Mar. Table Tennis Morton Township Meeting Even months Austin Township Meeting Monthly Exercise/Dance Class Drop-In Mixed Tennis Seasonal Garden Club Apr-Nov. Quilt Club Mah Jongg Apr-Oct. Mixed Bowling Sept-May Duplicate Bridge Weekly CLPOC Workshop/Agenda Mtg Girl Scout Troop 4788 Canadian Lakes Players Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Apr-Oct. Morton Twp. Planning Comm. Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct

Highland Haus Alpine Haus Highland Haus Alpine Haus Highland Haus 290 Main, Mecosta Member homes Alpine Haus 290 Main, Mecosta 14132 Pierce, Stanwood Alpine Haus Alpine Haus Courts Highland Haus Highland Haus Alpine Haus Remus Lanes Alpine Haus Main Conf. Room Alpine Haus Highland Haus Alpine Haus 290 Main, Mecosta

Variable Variable 7:30 am 10-11 am 1 pm 1 pm-3 pm 7 pm-8:30pm 9-11 am 11:30 am 3:30 pm 9 am 1:00 pm 1-3 pm

Treasure Seekers Fishing Fun Night May-Sept.

Men’s Christian Book Study June-August Exercise/Dance Class Needles and News See Lite Lines Model Yacht Club Apr-Oct. Ultimate Frisbee Apr-Oct. Drop-In Mixed Tennis Mah Jongg Apr-Oct. Writers Quest CLPOC Monthly Board Meeting Euchre Tournament Oct-April Model Yacht Club Apr-Oct.

Destinations Vary Main Beach Royal Grille Alpine Haus Alpine Haus Edgewater Park Behind Legacy Park Royal Courts Alpine Haus Alpine Haus Highland Haus Highland Haus Edgewater Park

Indoor Pool & Fitness Area: 972-2123 (CLOSED on Tuesdays) Lap Swimming: Mon, Wed-Fri 7-8 am Adult Open Swim: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-10 am, Thurs 7-9 am Open Swim: Mon, Wed, Fri 11 am-8 pm, Thurs 7-9 am, Sat, Sun 9 am-8 pm Outdoor Pool/Pines Pavilion: 972-4462 May 28-Sept. 7, 11 am-6 pm Pickleball: Contact: Jeff Butzin 586-599-9684 Legacy Park Daily: 9am - 12pm (Apr.-Oct.) Tennis: Open play daily at all courts (see above for drop-in mixed tennis) Thursday Ladies 9-Hole Golf: Contact: Joellen Tunacik 219-309-5059 jtunacik@comcast.net Ladies 18-Hole Golf: Contact: Rose Groat 231-250-1257 lettyrozita@hotmail.com Euchre Tournament: Contact: Kathy Lawyer 231-972-3054 vklaw@charter.net Alternate contact: Diane Kennedy 231-972-3176 Writer’s Quest: Contact Joyce Wilcox: 734-223-7841, joycewilcox@gmail.com Alternate contact: Griz Holbrook 231-972-1947 grizh@yahoo.com Girl Scout Troop 4788 Club: Contact: Jennifer Cady 231-629-2259 cady-jb@hotmail.com Alpine Haus 4:30pm-6pm meets bi-weekly (Oct.-June) 54

Canadian Lakes Weekly Scheduled Activities

CONTACT 231-796-2460 586-549-7705 231-359-1114 231-972-7920 916-258-5619 231-972-7138 231-972-7327 231-408-7716 231-972-7138 231-972-7472 231-972-0029 231-408-8801 231-972-5702 616-581-6734 231-972-3052 231-972-0700 231-972-4858 231-972-7651 231-629-2259 231-972-7447 231-972-8663 231-972-7138 616-443-9207 TBA 231-972-5132 231-972-0029 231-598-2203 231-629-1004 231-246-6181 231-408-8801 231-972-3052 734-223-7841 231-972-7651 231-972-3054 231-629-1004

Men’s Tuesday 9-Hole League: Contact: Tim Hannon 248-231-2990 timhannon@comcast.net CL Camera Club: Contact: Daniel Strandt 916-258-5619 remlin@gmail.com MARSP: Contact: Mary Salisz 231-972-8084 marysalisz@gmail.com Alternate contact: Chris Wernette 231-972-7336 chrisandsandy@yahoo.com Canadian Lakes Dog Club: Contact: Jim Ashbaugh 231-359-1464 jimash550@yahoo.com Great Ideas: Contact: Dave Fisher 810-919-1765 ppwig@aol.com Monday Men’s 18-Hole Golf League: Contact: Larry Klein 231-972-8361 larev@charter.net Canadian Lakes Optimist Club: Contact: Michelle Kauffold 313-510-6300 newmichelle@att.net LIttle Red Hens: Contact: Lynn Taylor 989-387-2147 dtaylor82@gmail.com

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55

CALENDAR EVENTS DAR EVENTS of AREA

of AREA

December

2 Hypnotist Tom Deluca 2-5 GR Symphony Presents Metro Health - University of Michigan Health Holiday Pops 5 3-4 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 3 Dustin Lynch 6 5 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2 5 Christmas Concert 7 7 Holiday Jazz Concert 1 9-10 CLA Christmas Home Decorating Contest 7 10 James Taylor & His All-Star Band w/ special guest Jackson Browne 2 10-12 GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker 5 12 Symphonic Santa Sunday Holiday Music Concert 1 13 An Evening with David Sedaris 5 16 Pentatonix 2 17-19 GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker 5 17 The Beach Boys: Holiday Harmonies 6 18-19 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 18 Jonathan Antione’s Christmas Land Live 6 21-22 GR Symphony Presents Cirque de Noel 5 22 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 30 Jam at the Van 2 31 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 31 New Year’s Eve Party 7 1

5 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 7-8 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 7-8 Grand Rapids Symphony 5 11 Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Hairspray 5 14-15 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 21 Eric Church 2 21-22 Grand Rapids Symphony and the award goes to ... 5 22 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 23 Harlem Globetrotters 2 23 Brian Regan 5 26 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 30 Randy Rainbow: The Pink Glasses Tour 5

February

INFORMATION IS FROM THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

4-5 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 4-5 Grand Rapids Symphony Presents New World Symphony 5 4-6 CL Players Production 7 8 Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Hamilton 5 12 Winter Carnival 12 17th Annual Fishing Derby 7 16 Ghost, Volbeat & Twin Temple 19 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 2 25-26 Grand Rapids Griffins INFORMATION IS FROM THE 25-27 Grand Rapids Ballet Presents Cinderella 5 FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

1. Ferris State University — www.ferris.edu/arts 2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids — vanandelarena.com; 616-742-6600 3. Central Michigan University — cmich.edu/Calendar 4. Big Rapids area — cityofbr.org, Community Calendar; 231-796-7640 5. DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids — devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500 6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant — soaringeaglecasino.com; 888-732-4537 7. Canadian Lakes Association — canadianlakesassociation.org 8. Art Works, Big Rapids-www.artworksinbigrapids.org

1. Ferris State University — www.ferris.edu/arts 2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids — vanandelarena.com; 616-742-6600 3. Central Michigan University — cmich.edu/Calendar 4. Big Rapids area — cityofbr.org, Community Calendar; 231-796-7640 5. DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids — devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500 6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant — soaringeaglecasino.com; 888-732-4537 7. Canadian Lakes Association — canadianlakesassociation.org 8. Art Works, Big Rapids-www.artworksinbigrapids.org

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