The Canadian Laker June/July 2021

CANADIAN LAKES, MI

JUNE/JULY 2021

Beyond Books CATCH A DRAGON

BY THE TRAIL

29 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG canadianlakes.org

OUTDOOR MYSTERIES

231-972-8300 CBLakes.com

Listings Needed

0 Low Inventory + High Demand = More $$$ to YOU

CALL TODAY!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL… CONTACT US FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION MARKET ANALYSIS TODAY! We Have Buyers Looking In Your Neighborhood

Kathleen Adams 231-250-3197

Bob Manzagol 231-349-8096

Sue Kempton 231-638-3498

Joe Mako 989-303-8544

Kolina Mako 989-423-0452

Rockie Peacock 231-349-5533

Jim (JB) Bradley 231-598-4640

Peter Taylor 989-857-9017

Todd Lincoln 989-560-4884

Marshall Henry 231-598-0838

Michael Roberts 989-506-4275

Rich Marino 586-630-8773

Rick Kempton 231-349-8300

PASQUALI LAW OFFICES Mid-Michigan’s source for elder law, trust, and estate services

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know it’s oftentimes no longer necessary to have two separate trusts for estate tax planning? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was passed in 2017 and introduced the concept of “portability” of the credit against the estate tax for a deceased spouse by filing form 706 upon the death of the first spouse.

With the 2021 estate tax exemption at $11,700,000 per spouse, far fewer families

are subject to the estate tax. Utilizing portability and eliminating multiple trusts where unnecessary can greatly simplify the trust-based estate plan for many clients and significantly decrease post-death administrative costs.

If you or your family have 2 trusts and would like to explore options to simplify your estate plan, call today to schedule a review of your estate plan. plan

WILLS & TRUSTS DISABILITY & SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING PROBATE/TRUST ADMINISTRATION MEDICAID PLANNING LONG TERM CARE Attorney Mark R. Pasquali POWERS OF ATTORNEY NURSING HOME PLANNING RETIREMENT WEALTH PRESERVATION SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS GUARDIANSHIPS & CONSERVATORSHIPS OFFICE #1

OFFICE #2

CONTACT

405 S. Mission St, Ste. E, Mt. Pleasant, MI

7062 9 Mile Road Mecosta, MI

(989) 400-4646 www.pasquali.law

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 21

W

ho’s ready for summer? Canadian Lakes has been busy lately. You can see many happy customers coming in and out of Hixson’s Family Market, boats being launched, and side-bysides galore. It’s an exciting time for Canadian Lakes members. Many of us are feeling like kids again and our much-anticipated summer break is finally here. What will the summer of 2021 have in store for us? Please see our Upcoming Events page to the right to find dates and locations of summertime fun. You will also find the list of events for our 8th Annual Summer Fest on page 11 showing many fun activities for you and your family to enjoy. Our summer horizon is looking bright and full this year. Don’t forget to be safe as well; please abide by the rules as they are important in protecting you and your neighbor. Have a fun-filled summer, Canadian Lakers, and enjoy what this community is all about!

Photo credit: Yeoman Photography

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Upcoming Events AT CANADIAN LAKES

CANADIAN LAKES BASS TOURNAMENT

Saturday, June 19, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Check-in from 6:30 to 7 a.m., with a mandatory meeting at 7 a.m. White Pine Beach on Maple Crossing Road north of Sunset Shores. $25 per fisherman; optional $10 additional fee per boat for big bass awards The tournament director is Jason Snyder.

Fishing is in two-person teams. The Registration Entry Form must be filled out, accompanied by a check made out to Jason Snyder, 11474 S. Lookout Ridge, and received

by Thursday, June 17. (See Focus on Fishing on page 30 for more information.)

CANADIAN LAKES FISHING CLUB PIKE FUN NIGHT

Wednesday, June 23, 5 – 8 p.m.

Pierce Beach $7 for Club members; $8 for nonmembers Register by 5 p.m. and fish for three hours.

At 8 p.m. we will enjoy pizza, along with comparing our recorded pike from catchand-release, with artificial lures only. Awards will be given for the longest pike and the total number of pike. This Fun Night is for pike only. If you do not have a boat, someone will likely take you out. (See Focus on Fishing on page 30 for more information.)

19TH ANNUAL YOUNG ANGLERS FISHING CONTEST

Saturday, July 3, 8 – 10:30 a.m. FREE Register at the Main Pavilion (behind the CLPOC office) Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. or Saturday from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

This is a great way for young people to enjoy fishing. Prizes will be awarded, and there will be a fish filleting demonstration. (For details, see Focus on Fishing on page 30.)

5K FUN RUN/WALK

Saturday, July 3, 8:30 a.m.

FREE Starts in parking lot east of Royal Grille and tennis courts The 5K Fun Run/Walk will go around Lake Laura. This is a “fun run,” meaning that it won’t be timed. Pets and strollers are welcome, and you don’t need to be a Canadian Lakes member to participate. Trophies will be awarded to the first adult male, adult female, youth (12 years and younger) male, and youth female finishers in the 5K run.

Tee-shirts are available for purchase. If you have any questions, contact Lee Wolken at 231-972-7756 or leewolken@yahoo.com.

(See complete information on page 42.)

COMMUNITY PARADE

CLA SUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW

Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Highland Haus (Outside)

Saturday, July 3, 1 p.m.

West Royal (Starts by Dog Park, ends at CLPOC office.)

Watch for more details on this event in your Line Lines and The Canadian Lakes News.

It’s fun to watch as fire trucks, floats, classic cars, and more make their way down the street. Catch some candy, too!

SUMMER FEST

PICKLEBALL FUN

Saturday, July 3 So many events! So much fun! See the 8th Annual Summer Fest 2021 article on page 11 for more information. Details are also described in individual articles throughout this issue of The Canadian Laker, as noted.

FIRECRACKER OPEN

Saturday, July 3, 2 – 6 p.m.

Pickleball courts at Legacy Park Come with court or gym shoes on, and members of the Canadian Lakes Pickleball Club will show you how to play this popular, fun sport. Children are welcome but should have some paddle or racquet sport experience.

Contact Jeff Butzin at jsbutzin@aol.com for information.

Saturday, July 3, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This popular four-player scramble will be at The Royal Golf Course. Call 231-972-8979 to reserve your tee time. (See Life on Our Links on page 26 for more information.)

CLA PICNIC

Saturday, July 3, 5 – 7 p.m.

Highland Haus Held outside this year. Morton Township firefighters will be cooking up free hot dogs;

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

drinks and other food items will also be provided. Fun activities are in store for kids, too. (See the CLA article on page 20.)

FIREWORKS

Saturday, July 3, 10 p.m.

Highland Haus/Alpine Haus area for best viewing Watch as the night sky comes alive! Come early to get a good spot and to enjoy a DJ on the Highland Haus deck beginning at 8 p.m.

SECOND ANNUAL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

July 23 – 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (times approximate) Legacy Park

Come out and cheer on Canadian Lakes participants in this mid-Michigan tournament, which includes players from other states.

(See the full article on page 38.)

LAKESIDE MOTOR SPORTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, July 31, 7 p.m.

Reuther Music Pavilion at Pierce Beach The summer concerts are back! First up, SwingShift a 10-piece band, playing jazz, Latin, Swing era, and dance favorites. Tap your toes, sing along, and take a few spins around the dance floor. Bring lawn chairs—or your boat—pack some snacks, and enjoy great entertainment by the water. (See the Summer Concert Series article on page 23)

16TH ANNUAL BULLHEAD TOURNAMENT

Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7 8 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday $10 per person – youth 16 and under free Fish in any Canadian Lakes waters. Youth 16 and under are not eligible for cash prizes.

Weigh-in will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Pines Pavilion. (More information is in Focus on Fishing on page 30.)

CLA ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Wednesday, August 11, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Castle Watch for more details on this event in your Line Lines and The Canadian Lakes News.

3

Buying or Selling?

Call Tom Garner Associate Broker

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

If you’re considering buying or selling in today’s WILD real estate market, you will want to make sure you have a knowledgeable Realtor to represent your interests. Escalation and guaranteed appraisal clauses, multiple offers, contingency waivers, agency relationships–these are all very important areas of real estate that will greatly affect the outcome of your SALE. If you have questions about any aspect of real estate, give me a call. As you can tell by the diversity of properties listed below–You will not find a better qualified Realtor to represent you.

$259,900

$379,900

$279,900

$134,900

$159,900

$149,900

$163,900

$529,900

$229,900

$319,900

$99,900

$339,000

$139,900

CL. Ranch home with finished walk out. House/PoleBarn COMBO. Next to Morton Near ST Ives. Great setting.

Canoe and Kayak Livery. Incredible opportunity.

$379,900

CL Ranch home. Ranger Lake.

FInished Walk out. 2nd Garage.

Country living on 20 OR 40 Acres. Pond and Cute and Affordable. Blanchard area.

Farm house and Trailer on 4 acres. great hunting. Adj 20 acres for $65,000. Major updates and great price. 2 Garages.

Live in one, rent the other.

CL Chalet. Wooded setting near ST Land CL Ranch. Well maintained home in Lake Isabella Waterfront. Incredible & Lost Lake. Tennis, boating and beaches. secluded location. Walk to lake and park. setting and views. Finished LL.

Highlands Golf Front Home. Exceptional Little Muskegon River Front home in CL. Opportunity in Barryton. Repair shop/ Spacious with incredible river views. quality and setting. CL Full Amenities.

Office area. STORAGE. 2 bays.

Log home on 20 acres. 2 outbuildings. Ranch home in Remus. Affordable living.

Hobby farm. Hunting. Secluded.

Why rent when you can own this for LESS.

$124,900

3 bed 2 bath home with garage.

Horsehead Lake area.

$159,900

Cute and Cozy Ranch. CL. Adorable and well maintained. Near beach.

$139,900

Ranch home on 2 acres. Between CL and Big Rapids. Nice yard and big garage.

$145,000

Canadian Lakes waterfront Lot. Buildable/level setting.

$65,000

Far West CL Waterfront Lot. Buildable and walkout potential.

$59,000

Lake of the Clouds Waterfront lots.

Buildable. Great beach area.

Photo credit: Alex Stewart

23 Summer Concert Series Returns

24 Outdoor Mysteries

Trout The Muskegon River

32 Beyond Books 34 Catch A Dragon

FEATURES

By The Trail

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 21

41 29 Years and Still Going Strong

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

5

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation

In This Issue

8

From the General Manager

12 From the Board 18 Marketing 20 From the CLA 26 Life on Our Links

46

Mobile Watch

48 Canadian Lakes Yard Waste

49 CLPOC Board Minutes

54 Let’s Get Social

Publisher Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation 10690 Pierce Road Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 P 231-972-7651 canadianlakes.org Production & Advertising SVK Multimedia & Publishing PO Box 586 Hudsonville, MI 49426 616.379.4001 SVKmp.com | jolsasvk@gmail.com Editorial Lindsay Halcomb, Marketing Associate Art and Editorial provided by Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation thecanadianlaker@gmail.com Volunteers Nancy Wallace Marilyn Yvon Joyce Wilcox Photography Chuck Richardson Di Schwartz Yeoman Photography

30 Focus on Fishing

Deadline Dates April/May – March 5 June/July – May 5 Aug/Sept – July 2 Oct/Nov – September 3 Dec/Jan – November 5

45 Canadian Lakes Safety

Submissions Canadian Lakes sanctioned groups and outside organizations are encouraged to submit articles, pending approval by CLPOC Board. Submit all copy as an email attachment to Editor at thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.

Credits are noted with articles and photos.

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

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

Low resolution photos usually not accepted.

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

Cover photo credit: Yeoman Photography

Get Social With Canadian Lakes

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.

6

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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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Which means, if you have a medical issue that requires surgery, you don’t need to travel far from home to receive the highest quality care.

Don’t settle for anything less when it comes to your health.

Dr. PJ PJ PERSSON, MD Board Certified in General Surgery

With access to the latest technology, our expert team of general surgeons is committed to providing our community with superior care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Dr. Chris CHRIS UITVLUGT, DO Board Eligible in General Surgery

McLaren Central Michigan – Medical Arts Building 1201 South Dr., Suite 352 | Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Tel: (989) 779 5230 | Fax: (989) 779 5249

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

7

From the General Manager

F GREG BABBITT General Manager gbabbitt@clpoc.org

OFFICE 10690 Pierce Rd. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 Phone: 231-972-7651

irst, I want to thank you for your understanding during this past year plus. During this pandemic time, the board members and I were and continue to be adamant about ensuring the health and safety of members and their guests, as well as the employees. The staff and I continue to have several discussions during these challenging times. To be honest, we are tired of talking about it and just want things to get back to some sense of normalcy. Certain restrictions have lessened recently; but, unfortunately, not many of those have had an impact on our amenities, such as building, restaurant, and pool/fitness capacities.

We have also been impacted by a lack of staffing in various areas.

It has proven very difficult to hire seasonal workers due to continued COVID-19 concerns and current unemployment benefits. We are doing our best to address these so that it will have little to no impact on your enjoyment of our community and amenities.

It now appears that as the number of people vaccinated increases, the restrictions will lessen. It has taken over a year, but we may be nearing the end of this pandemic tunnel. The staff and I are certainly hopeful of this. As I have said before, positive thinking is a mind-set, and it does make a difference. So please keep the positivity going and we will get to the end of this together.

Also, please remember to continue practicing social distancing and mask wearing whenever required. These remain important tasks.

As we go about our work, we will continue to protect the health and safety of our members and employees while doing our best to support your needs.

My staff and I do look forward to this busy season time, as we get to see many of you enjoying the amenities out and about in our community. As we once again are ramping up for another great season, please remember to always be safe, and let us know if there is anything we can do to make your summer more memorable.

SPECIAL NOTICE Currently, we are planning our annual Summer Fest activities.

Restrictions at that time will dictate if we can hold the planned events. So, I want everyone to know that the fireworks this year will be on Saturday evening, July 3. The Fourth of July weekend also has many other activities scheduled for everyone to enjoy.

Please go to www.members.canadianlakes.org for a complete list and brief descriptions. Also, see the articles in this edition of The Canadian Laker.

OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

MEMBER SERVICES Meghan Andersen Faith Markin Jane Hensley memberservices@clpoc.org

8

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

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• Isabella County’s largest body shop — collision repair for all makes and models, including RVs, plus restoration work

Mt. Pleasant’s only locally owned, full-service dealership 1415 E. Pickard in Mount Pleasant 989-773-3105

Dan Bollman Associate Broker

23I-629-2680 Over 30 Years Experience | dan@century21whitehouse.com

I want to Sell Your Property. PLEASE Call ME!

Waterfront Home Martiny Chain of Lakes - $175,000

Lakefront Lake Cadillac - Condo Unit - $289,900 PE N D I N

Main Chain Canadian Lakes - $469,000

G

Ranger Lake Canadian Lakes - $450,000

Thinking of selling your home or cottage?

Wondering what that home or cottage might be worth?

Please call me for a free market evaluation…you might be surprised at your value…in today’s high demand market!

Canadian Lakes Lake Access

$1,650

Little Muskegon River Lot Canadian Lakes

$24,900

Lake Access Lot Canadian Lakes

Lake Laura Lot Canadian Lakes

Lakefront Lot Canadian Lakes

Canadian Lakes - Lake Access Golf Course View

$1,950

$29,900

$35,000

$10,000

8th ANNUAL

SUMMER FEST JULY 3, 2021 Canadian Lakes 4th of July holiday weekend celebration is currently scheduled to take place, but it will depend on COVID-19 restrictions in place at that time.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: We were not able to conduct Summer Fest last year but are hopeful for this year.

Since we started Summer Fest, we have received such a resounding appreciation from many members and their guests.

Below are the currently scheduled activities for the weekend. These activities will also be posted on the CLPOC website, www.canadianlakes.org, which will also provide information regarding each of the events.

When scheduling your summertime activities this year, please keep in mind our great events start July 3 in Canadian Lakes. Plan on attending for some fun!

SATURDAY, JULY 3 FIRECRACKER OPEN – 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This golf event has become our most popular—so much so that team uniforms and costumes are becoming common attire for this event. It is a four-player scramble played at The Royal Golf Course. Every hole is turned into a par 3. Tee times will begin at 7 a.m. See additional information in the “Life on Our Links” article. Call the Royal Pro Shop at 231-972-8979 to reserve your tee time.

YOUNG ANGLERS CONTEST – 8 a.m. – noon This contest is always a great time for the kids and adults alike. It always has a great attendance and is for Canadian Lakes members’ children, grandchildren and guests, 16 years and younger. The actual contest fishing time is from 8am to 10:30am. There is no advanced entry form, but registration is required prior to the event. There is no charge and anglers 16 years and under do not need a fishing license. For questions contact any Fishing Club member, Dale Doepker at 231-972-8663, or George Groll at 517-351-2612.

CANADIAN LAKES 5K FUN RUN/WALK – 8:30 a.m.

This event always garners a lot of participation from members and guests enjoying some exercise. The registration and start area will again be in the Royal parking lot, east of the tennis courts (9775 East Clubhouse Drive). This event is open to everyone—you do not need to be a Canadian Lakes member to participate. See additional information in this issue. If you have any questions, contact Lee Wolken at 231-972-7756 or leewolken@yahoo.com.

COMMUNITY PARADE – 1 p.m.

This community event is always a huge success. Many people line up and down West Royal to enjoy this great event, which includes fire trucks, floats, classic cars, bikes, walkers, and more. One of the biggest hits is all the candy that flies through the air to the kids—and some adults—all scrambling to get it. c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

The parade start time will be 1:00 pm. The parade this year will contain some new participants as well as many previous ones. The route will be the same, starting on West Royal by the Dog Park, proceeding down West Royal, and ending at the CLPOC office. If you are interested in being part of the parade, contact Kris Bybee, 231-972-7651 or kbybee@clpoc.org, to register your entry.

PICKLEBALL FUN – 2 – 6 p.m.

The Canadian Lakes Pickleball Club will host several hours of fun. Just show up with your court or gym shoes on, and we’ll take care of the rest. We have balls and paddles to borrow and CLPBC members to show everyone the basics. We’ll have you playing in no time! The pickleball complex is located at Legacy Park, behind the softball field at the corner of West Royal and 10th St. The game is for all ages. Children should have some paddle or racquet sport experience. If you have any questions, contact Jeff Butzin at jsbutzin@aol.com.

CLA PICNIC – 5 – 7 p.m.

This is always a great annual event put on by the Canadian Lakes Association. This year it is from 5 to 7 p.m. or until the food is gone. This will be an outside picnic, rather than being inside.

Hot dogs will be provided; and once again, our very own Morton Township firefighters will be doing the cooking.

Drinks and other items will also be provided. There will be activities for the kids, too.

FIREWORKS – 10 p.m.

The fireworks are always a great time.

Prior displays were really something special to watch as they lit up the night sky. Whether or not you’ve seen the fireworks before, you will not want to miss them this year. The fireworks will begin at dusk, approximately 10:15 p.m., so plan to be at the Highland/Alpine Haus area for a great family time. Beginning at approximately 8 p.m. we will have a DJ on the Highland Haus deck providing music for your listening and dancing enjoyment.

11

From the Board

What a difference ONE YEAR CAN MAKE

President Paul L. Szymkowicz

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

F

or most people of my generation, this past year will be considered one of the most difficult in recent memory. Last year, friends and families were unexpectedly torn apart as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of people were taken well before their time. Here at Canadian Lakes, we were not immune to the effects of the pandemic. Several families lost friends and family members, and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

The corporation also faced monumental difficulties in 2020. Constantly changing mandates played havoc with all aspects of the CLPOC. All our community buildings were forced to close. The campgrounds, restaurant, golf courses, and even the lakes were initially closed and then later allowed to be opened, but with restrictions—some of which are still in play today.

The corporation has experienced great difficulty hiring personnel to keep even the most basic functions operating.

In 2019 a new funding plan was conceived. This was a bold new idea to include several amenities in the membership fee structure to add value to being a Canadian Lakes member. The Pines and The Highlands golf course greens fees, the indoor and outdoor pools, and the tubing hill were just some of the included amenities. This plan was passed by the membership, with unprecedented nearly 3-to-1 support. No previous plans have experienced this level of community support. It is a five-year plan with a mandatory two-year review to evaluate the performance of this unique concept. During the pandemic, our funding plan has performed extremely well. Please take a few minutes to read the “Next Steps” article on page 43 of The Canadian Laker.

I am bringing this up because some pretty amazing things took place in the first quarter of this year. Last year 11 new homes were approved for construction in Canadian Lakes. In the first quarter of this year, 10 new homes were approved. At least that many more potential new builds are just waiting for finalization from builders so they can be brought to the Architectural Control Committee for approval. In addition, there has been a multitude of renovation projects. This is quite a feat if you consider that lumber and building supplies are running at a 25 percent premium due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unimproved lot sales in Canadian Lakes has been sluggish over the past several years; in the first quarter of this year, 100 lots have already been sold, based on information from Canadian Lakes Realtors®.

There could be several explanations for this, but I believe that the two biggest reasons are the success of our current funding plan and our consistent advertising message. Future members are giving Canadian Lakes a serious look because they see the value in having a membership in our community.

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

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Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic, there are several key differences from last year. Three approved vaccines are available for the general population.

This has allowed the amenities here at Canadian Lakes to open, even though some of them are open at reduced capacities. Our restaurant is functioning at 50 percent capacity per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, up from 25 percent just two months ago. Even with this restriction, business is brisk. Golf has no restrictions and is achieving a record number of rounds so far this year.

The lakes have no restrictions, and boats are arriving daily at a brisk clip.

Our members are a major piece for us being able to navigate this pandemic successfully. Their continued support has been inspiring to all who live and work here. I would be terribly remiss if I did not give proper kudos to our general manager and staff. Their abilities to adapt and overcome during this pandemic have been above the call.

As we go forward, let us continue to work together to support this wonderful community. We are truly unique in what we have and how it is maintained. Let us continue to lead the way. We are a team; and as the saying goes, “Together everyone achieves more.” So, let’s go Team Canadian Lakes.

Our best days are yet to come!

“The Good Life”

Selling this Summer?

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

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ROCKGATEREALESTATE.COM Jackie Bissonette, Broker/Owner

13

BOARD DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT BOARD MEMBER

Dan Altier

S

haron (my wife) and I chose to have a cottage here 21 years ago, in part due to the beauty and amenities of Canadian Lakes. However, the selling feature that clinched our decision was the friendly, welcoming, and familyoriented culture of the community.

I began my professional career in the traditional manner a fully licensed psychologist typically does, working in a hospital system. Mine was the Detroit Medical Center. In addition, I had a private practice. That dual role revealed that I was ill-prepared for the entrepreneurial aspect of business.

To rectify that, I obtained an MBA. In that process, I realized psychology has a direct impact on business.

Over the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to blend psychology and business together by functioning in an organizational development role. Basically, I apply psychological principles as a means of developing executives and teams in the business world.

Four-and-a-half years ago, my wife informed me that the Canadian Lakes Board of Directors was seeking volunteers for the Strategic Planning Committee, and she suggested I apply.

The rest is history, so to speak. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Board for the past four-and-a-half years. I’m currently entering the first year of my second term. I have served as the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee my entire tenure, working with other board members and outstanding community members who volunteer their time on this committee.

I’m a board member who uses 0C9 or Canadian Lakes Airport— whenever I can! My interest in aviation can serve to explain how I conceptualize the Board’s role, which includes the Strategic Planning Committee.

14

Four Factors of Flight The four factors of flight are shown in bold in the diagram below. Albeit

Canadian Lakes is not a jumbo jet, it is an organization that is affected by similar factors. The factor of lift is our vision. What vision do we have for our community? The more aligned we are as a community on what Canadian Lakes should be, offer, and look like, the greater the possibility we can reach that height.

The counter to lift is weight. Canadian Lakes’ weight is the reality of the facilities, structures, infrastructure, and so forth that currently exists. Another reality is that we are a self-funded community. Therefore, everything we do, develop, or envision we as the community are responsible for. Which leads us to thrust. The more thrust you have, the easier it is to fly and go higher (altitude). As a self-funded community, thrust is our income. The more income generated by the community, the easier it becomes to make our community vision a reality. Our income comes from our membership fees and fees generated from our amenities.

With thrust or speed comes drag. Canadian Lakes’ drag is cost.

Cost not only relates to the price of T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

In the past few issues of The Canadian Laker, the board directors have had the opportunity to tell us a little more about themselves. We have enjoyed reading about each of them, and we hope you have, too. To conclude our Board Director Spotlights, we happily give you Dan Altier and Jim French.

performing maintenance, repairs, and improvements to our existing facilities and grounds; it includes establishing an appropriate membership fee. A membership fee should balance being fiscally prudent for each member and being equally responsible to the community to maintain and improve upon what already exists and to develop our community when appropriate.

The Board, with the management team, has the responsibility to balance these factors for a successful community—that is, a safe flight.

Aviate, Navigate, and Communicate The three primary tasks of a pilot are to aviate, navigate, and communicate.

Aviate—flying the plane—involves knowing how the four factors of flight will affect the plane. Navigate simply means plan and follow a route—no different than planning a road trip in a car. At times, the original route, whether driving or flying, gets changed for various reasons, so adjustments are required. A prime example would be how the management team navigated the unexpected and prolonged changes of COVID-19. The Board, the management team, and the community should plan our navigation.

The last task is to communicate.

Although last, it’s the most critical.

Communicating is an interactive process, one of expressing oneself clearly and then actively listening to what others are saying. In flying, the communication procedure is to repeat back what one has heard as a means of eliminating miscommunication. For me, the Board has the responsibility to communicate its intentions and rationale for decisions and actions. The Board workshops and Board meetings provide those mechanisms to the community.

Conversely, the community—you—have a responsibility to communicate with the

Board. In listening and acknowledging your expression, recognize that we as a community, not just the Board, have the factors of reality, income, and cost—that is, factors of flight—to balance in every action taken or request made.

Stay Ahead of the Plane When learning to fly, you are instructed to “stay ahead of the plane.”

This concept means anticipate what will be needed next to safely fly the plane.

This allows time to make the next move safely and evaluate if additional steps or changes are required.

Personally, for me, “staying ahead of the organization” is the real role of the Canadian Lakes Board. We have a dedicated professional management staff that operates and manages all the operational aspects of the organization.

Therefore, the Board can look ahead for potential things or opportunities—that is, smooth skies—that enhance our community’s ability to maintain its

Approaching Canadian Lakes from the southeast on a Friday afternoon

intended vision (flight path).

The Board has to evaluate what possible factors could obstruct the vision, also. If such an obstruction—that is, storm clouds—is perceived, the Board is responsible to alert the community, in order to stay ahead of that obstacle so minimal turbulence is experienced at least or completely avoided at best.

The friendly, welcoming, “we” culture is an aspect of the community I continue to experience and will continually attempt to foster as a Board member. I experience the wonderful

Canadian Lakes culture regularly by all the volunteerism occurring. I personally experience it when landing or taking off in my plane. People drive by or pull over and wave. Some even come over and ask questions, which is great. Frequently, when departing, Airport Manager Bob Goulett calls over the radio, “Safe flight and come on back.” That radio call applies to all of us.

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15

BOARD DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT BOARD MEMBER

Jim French

B

ack in the late ‘70s, my wife Carol and I had been married for nine years and had two young daughters. We lived in Rochester Hills and had been discussing the possibility of buying a cottage somewhere for weekend getaways.

We had been taking summer vacations in the Traverse City/Petoskey area, so the first inclination was to see what we could afford in that region.

To our dismay, what we could afford at or near any body of water was almost unlivable. As a result, the option of a cottage was put on the back burner.

Throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, the original developer of Canadian Lakes used a unique marketing approach.

Dinners were held in southeastern Michigan on a regular basis with the

Carol kayaking the Little Muskegon

8630 Mohawk Court

16

enticement of free prime rib simply for attending and listening to the Canadian Lakes “pitch.” Neither Carol nor I considered attending; but my parents, who were retired, thought “Why not?”

A dinner was being held at the Georgian Inn in the eastern suburbs of Detroit. Because it was fairly close to their home in St. Clair Shores, they made a reservation and attended the dinner.

Neither of them was ultimately interested in purchasing property at Canadian Lakes but thought that it might be something for Carol and me to consider.

We reviewed the brochures that Mom and Dad gave us and were impressed, although skeptical, with the potential. To further spice the opportunity, my parents offered to baby-sit our girls for the weekend so we could drive up to Canadian Lakes. We decided to take them up on the offer if for no other reason than the enticement of a get-away without the kids.

It was the summer of 1979. We made a reservation with the Canadian Lakes sales office and set out on a Saturday with the agreement between us that we would only be “looking” and not impulsively jump into a purchase. When we arrived at the sales office, which is now the main office, we discovered that our salesman was swamped and unable to give us the tour and sales pitch. As a result, the developer’s son-in-law, Bob Doerr, offered to take us around the property.

We jumped in Bob’s big emeraldgreen Lincoln Continental and set out T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

to see the sights. It was amazing that he treated the big Lincoln like an off-road vehicle and ignored the lack of paved roads. Some ventures were actually just down two-tracks, with vegetation scraping the sides of the vehicle. We were impressed.

The tour of the amenities was awesome and, finally, we settled into the real reason we were there. We explained our “champagne tastes and beer money” situation that would keep us from buying anything on the water. Carol did indicate that she really wanted to at least be able to see the water. Ultimately, Bob found us a lot on the cul-de-sac at Mohawk Court that actually allowed us to see the Finger Lake. I should say we anticipated we could see the water from a then non-existent deck. Bob actually climbed a tree to see if that was viable and declared that it was.

Our determination not to buy a lot faded rapidly, and back to the office we went. We were convinced that, all things considered, this was where we wanted to have a cottage and spend family time. It made sense also from the standpoint that traveling to the Traverse City area from southeastern Michigan was a four- or five-hour trek, while Canadian Lakes was just two-and-ahalf hours. The deed was done—we were Canadian Lakes property owners!

As impetuous as the two of us were, we couldn’t wait to build our cottage, so we sought out contractors.

We were fortunate to settle on using Mark Baumann, and he was a wonderful builder.

At that time, I was in the electrical construction business and, of course, wired the structure along with two of my contractor friends over a weekend in the middle of winter. By the following summer we finished the cottage enough that we could use it while several additional touches were completed.

In the ensuing years we made great use of our place on Mohawk Court. As

promised, we could see the water and had our boat docked just a nine-iron away from our place.

We entertained ourselves and many good friends on weekends. Carol and the girls would spend a week or two during the summer while I worked. It was an awesome way to bring up our girls, who have many fond memories of their childhoods at Canadian Lakes.

Not only did we spend summers at Canadian Lakes, but we also spent many winter weekends. We had a wood-burning stove in the lower level that provided heat and a beautiful fireplace on the main level that provided both heat and ambiance.

During the ‘80s, there was a downhill ski run by the Castle where we taught our daughters to snow ski. We spent many hours on Finger Lake ice skating and also just walking in the woods.

For our family, Canadian Lakes has been everything we anticipated and much more. It is a wonderful community for which our family has

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been very grateful. We no longer live on Mohawk Court but have a place on West Canadian Lake. Our daughters and grandchildren have spent many wonderful times here.

We sold our home in Rochester Hills several years ago and call our Canadian Lakes property “home.” We now spend half the year at Canadian Lakes and the other half in Florida. Yes, we are snowbirds, as the winters in Michigan are no longer a playground for us. However, Carol and I remain active in Canadian Lakes matters, as I’ve served on multiple committees including the CLPOC Board of Directors for five years, and Carol currently serves on the Marketing Committee. Carol retired from the real estate business, but I remain semi-retired as I continue to take on consulting gigs, although that seems to be interfering more and more with my golf game. You might see me out on West Canadian Lake maneuvering my vintage 1976 red, white, and blue Sunfish sailboat. Give me a wave and I’ll wave back!

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Marketing

Canadian Lakes Marketing

JESSICA SLENDAK Marketing Director jslendak@clpoc.org

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

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

18

H

ere we are in the beginning of high season in Canadian Lakes, and while I had hoped that Lindsay and I would be master wizards in Salesforce by now, I am quite possibly the biggest fool in Canadian Lakes today, still holding onto that hope. Boy, I was sadly mistaken.

Since December, Lindsay and I have spent hours with Sam, our IT consultant, who’s real, full-time job has him working with Salesforce data and insights day in and day out. He is a pro in the set-up and implementation of the platform. And while he cannot make the output of it’s marketing abilities pretty with rainbows and butterflies, his teaching ability on how it all works has been a godsend. When frustration set in because we were not further along with implementation, he quickly grounded me by explaining that implementation with his employer took over a year to fully achieve, and it’s forever evolving. Salesforce is an extremely powerful tool, and a simple flick of a switch just will not happen.

In case you haven’t been following or heard what the Marketing Department has been up to the past few months, late fall of last year I took the leap and bought Salesforce, a customer relationship management software program. I also bought Pardot for automated marketing along with Social Studio, which will manage all our social media. All three platforms will be integrated.

In the past, since the Marketing Department was formed six years ago, the relationship with management software was a three-ring binder—well, three of them now. Implementing the platform, the use of, and then regurgitating the data into visible results finally happened!

With the Salesforce reports function, we were able to see that between March 1 and April 15 we had about 40 people inquire about becoming property owners. Of those 40 people, one had already become a property owner! That new property owner had found out about Canadian Lakes through Group Golfer. He purchased a coupon last year. He found my email address on our website and sent me an email, asking me to call him. I filled him in about membership. What would previously have been close to impossible to track, and then taken a week to track down who he was and how he found us and made contact, now took me three minutes. It was beautiful and quite exciting.

For those asking for return on investment, your answer is coming.

How many people came to us by our radio commercial? Who is being referred to us by current members? How many people are seeing our display ads on the internet, which continually is our biggest producer of web traffic; and how many people who saw our TV commercial have become property owners so far? With Salesforce, these questions can soon be answered as Lindsay and I become more adept with the platform. With the new departmental reports being part of each monthly board meeting, I’ll share these Salesforce reports so members will see results of our advertising and marketing. Lindsay and I

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

certainly need more time with Sam before we are the self-proclaimed wizards that I mentioned earlier, but here’s to working hard and being hopeful, right?

Here’s also to summer, warm weather, sun, boating season, my birthday month—but most importantly, the fathers in our lives. Over the years, being (almost) born in the area, raised here, growing my career here, and working for the CLPOC for the past five years, I’ve met some wonderful Canadian Lakes dads. I’m blessed to have my dads still in my life—I have two. My parents divorced when I was eight years old. The divorce had very little effect on me then. So long as I was still able to ride my bike to the nearby store to buy candy, swim in Rogers Pond (Muskegon River) every summer day, build forts in the woods behind my house, and draw in chalk on the roads between my house and Sarah Bruskhotter’s, I was just fine! These two dads both raised me, along with, of course, my wonderful mother, whom I lost just six months ago, and a stepmom, too. So, here’s a big shoutout to the Canadian Lakes dads, and some extra love to my two dads and my special man, Kevin, for being the awesome dads you all are. You are loved and appreciated.

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19

From the CLA

G by HAROLD WOLF CLA President haroldwolf63@gmail.com

Easter Lane

20

ood day, my fellow Canadian Lakers! As I put pen to paper this morning, it’s 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 21. Agnes and I just got in from our morning walk—Agnes is our one-year-old Bavarian Mountain Hound. Her nickname is “Little Rascal,” which tells you what one-year-old puppies are all about. It’s 24 degrees outside, the turkeys are gobbling, and the sky is brightening up from the sun that is soon to make its beautiful appearance. I now have Agnes wrapped up in her “sleepy time” blanket on my lap, along with a hot cup of coffee in my hand. The house is still. Writing does not come easy for me, so I need these quiet times to gather my thoughts.

By the time this edition of The Canadian Laker reaches you, we will all have our boats in the water. Our beaches, tennis and pickleball courts, and golf courses will all be filled with smiling Canadian Lakes members, families, and their guests.

It’s “high season” in Canadian Lakes.

I now have six months into being Canadian Lakes Association (CLA) president. In this short time, I have had the privilege of working with a few of our CLPOC department heads, and it’s not a coincidence or happenstance that we are able to enjoy this wonderful community. Here are just a few examples of the amazing individuals we should all appreciate: Dennis Wolfe, our PGA professional, is simply the best! I have been a member at several golf clubs over the years, and none of them provided the kind of creative fun and competitive events Dennis organizes each year and every season. Roger Stobert and his Mobile Watch crew took care of traffic control at our Easter Egg Lane Event. What a professional group of people. Kim, Meghan, Faith, and our administrative staff in the CLPOC office couldn’t have been more helpful and patient with me as I learned my new role as CLA president (sorry, ladies, for how many times I made you get up and unlock the door). These are just a few individuals who have made my first six months as CLA president so much easier, and they also help us all to live the “good life.” THANK YOU ALL! Our CLA Board came up with a very creative way to provide our community with the Easter Egg Lane Event, which replaced our traditional Easter Egg Hunt. It was a drive-through “Bunny Hole Hollow,” where roughly 180 kids, parents, and grandparents came out and received Easter eggs filled with candy, as well as cookies, stickers, lollipops, tattoos, and bubbles at each of our “bunny holes.” They also had a chance to win a few extra prizes: our Springtime Basket of Fun, our Jelly Bean Belly Bunny, and our surprise CLA-members-only drawing for a family of four gift package to Dippity Dogs in Lakeview! And they were even able to wave at the Easter Bunny on their way out. The weather was nice and everyone had a great time. I’d like to thank all the CLA board members and volunteers for their hard work to make this event possible and successful.

Our CLA Board is now working on our Summer Picnic, which is sure to be a fantastic event for our Canadian Lakes community, on Saturday, July 3.

Please keep in mind that volunteering plays an important role in the CLA events. As we begin to host more of them, we will need your help. While I am speaking of volunteers, we have another opportunity for you. We need a couple of our Canadian Lakes members willing to volunteer to be CLA board members, as we will have some openings on our board next year due to current board members’ terms expiring. So please step up and help us keep the CLA tradition going strong and providing the fun to our community.

If you are not a CLA member yet, let me give you some incentives to come join the fun. We have several new things this year. Our Lite Lines T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

editor, Marsha Wolf (my wife), has come up with some new ideas that our younger and younger-at-heart— ALL OF OUR CLA MEMBERS—are enjoying. Lite Lines now has a new feature, “Kids Corner,” that will each month provide jokes and riddles, trivia facts, family-friendly area event information, a monthly prize offering, and quarterly contests. Did you say prize offering? Our first contest, announced in our May Lite Lines, was “Name the Character,” and the winner will be announced in our June issue.

The contest was to name our own Lite Lines character (like “Where’s Waldo?”). This character will be “hidden” each month somewhere in Lite Lines. Every CLA member who finds the character can send an email to our cla21fun@gmail.com site to be entered into a random drawing to win a free ice cream cone at Dockside Ice Cream at CL Pizza Company. Each month we will have ten prize winners.

Other benefits for CLA members only are our CLA Facebook page, which provides the opportunity to win prizes in conjunction with our events; CLA Shopping Spree and Poker Run contests; the CLA Member Directory and Buying Guide; Lite Lines, which you will receive each month, along with a monthly prize opportunity; our monthly CLA Membership Appreciation Drawing, which awards a $25 gift card from an area business; and the CLA membership cards, soon to serve as “discount cards” at our participating local businesses.

The amazing prizes for our CLA Shopping Spree Contest, which began February 1 and ends June 21, are a $500 package for 2021/2022 boat storage donated by EMS Boat Storage & Small Engine Repair or a $200 gift card package that includes gift certificates to Antlers, the Canadian Lakes Shell Station, and Scott’s Body Shop. All CLA members need to do is shop at our businesses that advertise in our CLA Member Directory, save receipts, and place them in one of our drop-box locations at ACE Hardware,

Hixson’s Family Market, or Canadian Lakes Pharmacy. Our two lucky winners will be drawn on June 22.

A second contest began May 21 and runs until June 6—our CLA Poker Run Contest. This is also for CLA members only. All members need to do is shop at the participating businesses, draw a card from the playing deck in each store, and build the best poker hand or collect the

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most cards. Two winners will receive either 2021/2022 boat storage donated

by Lakeside Motor Sports or two rounds of golf with cart donated by Tullymore Golf Course.

So, as you can see, you will receive an incredible amount of value for your $25 CLA membership fee. If you are not already a CLA member, COME JOIN THE FUN! Stay healthy, safe, and strong!

4/3/18 7:44 PM

21

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

Summer Concert Series Returns

BY MARILYN YVON

It’s with great pleasure that the Summer Concert Committee announces the return of the Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series.

Anticipating a summer when people can mingle and enjoy the beauty and camaraderie of Canadian Lakes, we have scheduled an abbreviated season of three Saturday concerts: July 31, August 21, and August 28.

Dave Spieker, who is responsible for booking our musical entertainment, says, “I am excited about our lineup and think it will bring good variety to our community.”

The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the Reuther Music Pavilion at Pierce Beach on West Canadian Lake.

Bring lawn chairs—or your boat—pack some snacks, and enjoy an evening of top-notch entertainment by the water.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

deliver an exciting, powerful, and memorable performance.

Known for powerhouse lead vocals, solid harmonies, and dynamic live shows, their program spans musical genres and resonates with listeners of all ages.

These concerts are made possible by the generous sponsorship of our Title Sponsor, Lakeside Motor Sports; and our Concert Sponsor, Ice Mountain. Because of their generosity and our shortened season, we do not need to depend on other business sponsorships this year.

Thanks to our committee volunteers Dave Spieker, Danielle Maneke, Susan Morris, Marilyn Yvon, Jim Brakora, Kathleen Reau, Jim Benoit, and Diane Spieker, who are all looking forward to seeing our Canadian Lakes community at the concert season this summer.

We hope to see you soon!

Concerts may be affected by future COVID-19 restrictions.

Updates will be posted in the Canadian Lakes News and The Community Connection e-newsletters and on the Canadian Lakes Reuther Music Pavilion Facebook page.

Left: Atomic Annie Below: Kari Lynch Band

SATURDAY, JULY 31 SwingShift is an elite 10-piece band, playing jazz, Latin, Swing era, and dance favorites. SwingShift presents a complete celebration of music and dance—three vocalists combine three-part harmonies with dynamic choreography. You’ll tap your toes, sing along, and maybe take a few spins around the dance floor!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 Atomic Annie is female-fronted, highenergy fun! This variety cover band presents music you know and love, with its own special twist—from 60’s and 70’s rock to 80’s MTV classics to 90’s alternative to modern rock/pop covers. This group’s unique style will have you singing along.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 The Kari Lynch Band, a Canadian Lakes favorite, returns with its alt-country style. Based in Nashville, the group members are originally from Grand Rapids. Talented singers, songwriters, collaborators, and performers, they c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

23

Outdoor Mysteries

TROUT IN THE LITTLE MUSKEGON RIVER

BY CHRIS ZIMMERMAN

LAST SUMMER at about this time, I pulled into the parking lot where the Little Muskegon River pours over the dam in downtown Altona. A younger version of myself was there with his two daughters, fishing. They cast worms under a bobber into the swirling froth, hoping for a fish to bite the worms and pull the bobber under the surface.

I didn’t say anything to the young family; but the setting took me in, the way trout fishing always does. My eyes turned to the evening sky. There, in the twilight of midsummer, clouds of slender, dark mayflies swarmed overhead in a mating ritual cast from the script of The Wizard of Oz. You know the scene: when the Wicked Witch banishes her legions of flying monkeys from her castle. The monkeys fly away in swarms so thick they nearly blot out the sun.

Mayflies in such abundance tickle a fly fisherman’s fancy. Without them, the trout have nothing to feed on.

With them, the river’s surface becomes an overhead buffet line for hungry trout. I stood there for twenty minutes or so, watching the bugs in the sky, the inky darkness of the water, and the dreamy mingling of the two. I waited for the splashing goodness of a trout, behind a log, in the swift middle section, near the old bridge, or as far upstream as I could see.

Nothing.

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

And with that observation, I formulated an opinion that the Little Muskegon River was too warm, too muddy, and too slow to support decent populations of trout.

That theory held true until I spoke with Mark Tonello, fisheries biologist with the Department of Natural Resources. “There are places in the Little Muskegon with really nice brook trout,” Tonello said, “and we don’t plant brook trout. Most of the guys who catch them get away from road crossings and bust a lot of brush getting to trout.”

The DNR stocks the Little Muskegon with rainbow and brown trout. In 2020, 6,000 rainbow and 2,400 browns were set free not far from Canadian Lakes. Most of the trout are below the minimum size limit, but the DNR seldom plants fish that are. “The rainbows average 7.3 inches, while the browns are 6.2,” Tonello said. “We raise trout at

hatcheries in Oden or Harrietta. After a year, we release them into the wild.”

Anglers are encouraged to consult the 2021 Michigan Fishing Guide before keeping any trout for the table: www. michigan.gov/dnr. In the section of the Little Muskegon closest to Canadian Lakes, brook trout have to be 7 inches, while browns and rainbows must be 10 inches. The limit is five fish per day, but no more than three trout can be greater than 15 inches. Anglers can use whatever tackle they want. Popular trout lures are spinners, nightcrawlers, minnow imitations such as Rapalas, and, of course, trout flies tied from feathers and fur that mimic insects or small rodents.

Fishermen are reminded to respect private property. Anglers have the right to fish, so long as they stay in the river.

If they encounter an obstacle in the river such as a deep hole or a fallen log, they can get out of the water and hop onto private property. They don’t have the right to linger or fish from private property. As long as they’re in the water fishing, fishermen are legal.

The Little Muskegon’s beginnings are at the outlet of Horsehead Lake near Mecosta. It flows in a southsouthwest direction before it dumps into the Croton Pond above Croton Dam. Along the way, the east branch of the Little Muskegon, Shinglebolt Creek, Cedar Creek, and several other creeks dump into the Little Muskegon.

Tonello said plans are being made to remove the dam in Altona. “It’s old and crumbling and the road commission wants it taken out,” he said. Once the dam is removed, the pool and eddies won’t be available to families to fish, but neither will the collection of sediment on the upstream side of the dam. That scenario will be better for trout.

Few outdoor pursuits sweep me off my feet like trout fishing. It takes skill and prowess to drop a spinner or fly into tight places where trout live. I talk to myself when I’m alone on the river. Bad casts are frowned upon.

Good casts are met with adoration.

Seems like only the really good casts are rewarded with a strike from a hungry trout.

I stumble over rocks and logs and duck under overhanging branches.

The gentle swoosh of the flyline is drowned out by the sounds of whippoorwills, wood thrushes, and faraway gobbles of a lonesome tom. Insect hatches unfold with the subtlety of a gust of wind. Trout dimpling the water surface is akin to a good luck coin dropped in a water fountain. My mind races from cast to cast, from one pocket of cover to the next. Around the bend I go, taking in the scenery, the wildlife, the sights and smells of an evening on the river. Trout fishing turns hours into minutes, and it’s one of the most pleasant of all outdoor experiences.

Now that I know the Little Muskegon River could be good for trout, I can’t wait to give it a whirl.

Chris Zimmerman is a resident of Canadian Lakes, the father of two grown daughters, and the author of six Michigan-based novels. Look for his “Outdoor Mystery” stories in The Canadian Laker.

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25

Life on Our Links Firecracker Open at The Royal July 3 FUN, FAST, and AFFORDABLE—that’s the best way to describe the Firecracker Open. This is an 18-hole, four-player scramble where every hole at The Royal is converted into a par 3. Treat your family and friends to a great day at The Royal and join the Firecracker Open. Your four-player team can be any combination of men and/or women. Tee times will begin at 7 a.m., and you can book a time all the way to 5 p.m.

It doesn’t matter what time of day you play—it will only take approximately three hours to complete the round. The entry fee is $42/player and includes greens fee, cart fee, and prize money. Call The Royal Golf Shop to book your time (972-8979).

Match Play Sixes at The Royal July 24 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

26

THIS UNIQUE EVENT features two-man teams playing round robin 6-hole matches using an Alternate Shot (modified foursomes) format. The field will be set at 32 two-man teams. These teams will be arranged into four-team pools. Pool play will consist of three 6-hole matches in which teams complete all six holes. You win, lose, or tie based on the number of holes you won in each 6-hole match. Winners receive three points for a win, and a tie results in one point for each team. After 18 holes each pool will produce a winner, and then we will have these teams compete.

The “A” pool winner will play the “B” pool winner, and “C” will face off against “D,” and so forth in a 9-hole match. The winners from this round will meet to vdetermine the overall winner. The finals match will also be a 9-hole match. Teams will earn Canadian Lakes Cup Points during this event (10 points for a win and 5 points for a tie). Entry information is available on the CLPOC website, www.memebers.canadianlakes.org. This is a members-only event.

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

FOCUS ON

FISHING Canadian Lakes Bass Tournament, Saturday, June 19

BY DALE DOEPKER If you have questions about the Fishing Club or about fishing in Canadian Lakes, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.com or 231-972-8663

OSPREY REPORT

A pair of ospreys has been sighted on our nesting platform at Buchanan Road, between the Main Lake and Lake of the Clouds. We wish them well in hatching and raising two or three baby ospreys as they have in past years.

Consumers Energy has responded very positively to our request about providing osprey nesting platforms, to replace the nests they removed elsewhere in our county. We expect to see new platforms installed at three places in Mecosta County before next summer. This will eliminate all nesting on power poles.

The tournament will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check-in time is 6:30 to 7 a.m., with a mandatory meeting at 7 a.m. The location is White Pine Beach, on Maple Crossing Road north of Sunset Shores. The tournament director is Jason Snyder. The entry fee is $25 for each fisherman in two-person teams, with an optional $10 additional fee per boat for big bass awards.

There is a five-fish team limit of largemouth or smallmouth bass. Ten percent of the entry fees goes to the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club, before awards, for youth events. The total weight award pays five places: 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, and 10%. The big bass award will pay two places: 60% and 40%.

The payout may be modified if the number of entrants is too low.

The Registration Entry Form must be filled out, accompanied by a check made out to Jason Snyder, 11474 S. Lookout Ridge, and received by Thursday, June 17. Cancellation after June 17 will lead to forfeiture of entry fees.

At least one person on each team must be a member in good standing of Canadian Lakes or the parent, sibling, child, or grandchild of same. Entry forms are available at the CLPOC kiosk or on the CLA website. All boats must be registered and have a 2021 Canadian Lakes decal.

For additional information, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol. com or 972-8663.

Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Pike Fun Night, Wednesday, June 23

Our first Fishing Fun Night is from 5 to 8 p.m. Just show up before 5 p.m. to register and fish for three hours. At 8 p.m. we will enjoy pizza, along with comparing our recorded pike from catch-and-release, with artificial lures only. Bring your own refreshments. Awards are given for the longest pike and the total number of pike, with only one award per person. We meet at Pierce Beach. If you do not have a boat, come anyhow and someone will likely take you on his or her boat. Entry is $7 for Club members and $8 for others. Total award amount will be $3 times the number of participants. This Fun Night is for pike, because bass will normally be on their beds at this time of year and we do not want to disturb them.

LOON PRECAUTIONS

Photo credit: Roger Watson Nesting loon at Jehnsen Lake

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Our three loon pairs have returned for the summer. They each appear to have nested and hopefully will each hatch two baby loons. Please stay at least 100 feet from any loons and their nests, so as not to disturb them. If you are idle in the water and they approach you, enjoy them, but be careful when you motor away. Last year we had a total of five successful baby loons on our lakes and only eleven in our entire county.

and prizes. Bottled water and snack bags will be provided for participants and onlookers. Bring your own chairs and other refreshments if desired.

There is no advanced entry form, but registration is required the afternoon before or morning of the event. A parent or guardian must accompany all children. There is no charge, and anglers 16 and under do not need a fishing license. Masks should be worn and social distancing practiced.

16th Annual Bullhead Tournament, Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7 2019 Young Angler's Contest

19th Annual Young Anglers Fishing Contest, Saturday, July 3

The Canadian Lakes Fishing Club will hold its 19th Annual Young Anglers Fishing Contest on Saturday, July 3 for Canadian Lakes members’ children, grandchildren, and guests, 16 years and younger. Prizes will be awarded in each of four age groups: trophy and prize for largest fish, prize for second largest, and four or more additional prizes by drawing.

Anglers are to provide their own tackle and bait and may fish in any of the Canadian Lakes waters, from the shore, a dock, or a boat. All anglers or their parents/guardians must register at the Main Pavilion west of the CLPOC office from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 2, or from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday, where they will be given instructions, gifts, and a bag for the fish. All fish must be caught between 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Saturday (honor system). Adults may assist the youth only by baiting the hook, casting it out, and unhooking the fish. All fish entered must be caught and lifted out of the water with a rod in the hand of the youth. Youth are to bring in only their largest bluegill, pumpkinseed, or sunfish between 10:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday for weigh-in. Award presentation will be at 11:30 a.m. Crappie, rock bass, and perch are not eligible for the contest. All bass, pike 24 inches and over, and all muskies must be released live.

We will also be filleting entered fish for demonstration.

Fishing Club caps and tee-shirts will be available for purchase. In response to COVID-19 concerns, we will not be having food or a raffle this year; but a donation jar will be available for those who are so inclined, to go toward awards

The fishing begins at 8 p.m. Friday, August 6, and ends at 2 a.m. Saturday, August 7, in any of the Canadian Lakes water bodies. (Shore fishing is usually best.)

The entry fee is $10 per person; however, youth 16 and under are free, while not eligible for cash prizes. The weigh-in will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 7, at the Pines Pavilion.

Forty percent of the total collected will be used to cover the cost of snacks and refreshments. A bullhead wrangler award will pay three places: 15%, 10%, and 5%, for heaviest fish. (These awards come first.) A bullhead master award will also pay three places: 15%, 10% and 5% for the most total weight, 9 inches and over only. (One award per person, tie breaker is heaviest in the other category.) There will be separate prizes for youth for most total weight and for heaviest fish.

All Canadian Lakes members, families, and members’ guests are welcome to participate. Fishermen can fish together, but weigh-in is individual so fish must be kept separate. Gear is restricted to MDNR fishing regulations: three rods and two hooks per rod. The minimum size is 9 inches to qualify, so please release all smaller fish.

Pack all fish on ice in a cooler to bring to the weigh-in.

This is a catch-and-keep tournament, and all fish kept can be cleaned and given to participants. (All participants are to bring in their fish, regardless of number.) Entries must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 6. Mail or deliver names and money to Sue Glazier, 8339 West Royal, 231-679-1938.

Make checks payable to Sue Glazier.

In response to COVID-19 concerns, we will not be cooking the fish or having food this year. Bottled water and snack bags will be provided for participants and onlookers. Please bring your own chairs and other refreshments if desired.

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Beyond Books MORTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY IS HERE FOR YOU!

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BY JULIANE SCHAFER, DIRECTOR, MORTON TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

he past fourteen months have undoubtedly been a time of change. As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, the Morton Township Public Library board and staff remain committed to our mission of providing resources and experiences to entertain, educate, and connect.

We have reorganized, reprioritized, and developed innovative ways to best serve the community during this unique time. In addition to books, DVDs, audiobooks, and computer access, we have a lot to offer this summer. We encourage you to visit us in person and online.

Downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks Borrow books from the comfort of your own home! Our Up North Digital Collection is available 24/7 and offers a large selection of free eBooks and eAudiobooks that you can download to your phone or tablet using Libby, the one-tap reading app, and your library card. Visit our website, morton.michlibrary.org, and click on Overdrive to get started.

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WiFi Hotspot and Chromebook Lending Services Morton Township Library cardholders (ages 18 and over) can access free, unlimited internet from almost anywhere there is a strong cellular signal by checking out one of our WiFi hotspots. Easily connect the T-Mobile hotspot to your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, or borrow one of the library’s Chromebooks to have everything you need for internet access.

Library of Things Our Library of Things, made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is a collection of nontraditional library items available to check out. We are excited to offer this new resource to the community to support lifelong learning, exploration, and creativity. What “things” are in the collection? A telescope, digital and compound microscope and slides, bubble machine, label-maker, karaoke machine, kill-a-watt meter, blood pressure monitor, and more. This is a growing collection, so check back often!

Visit morton.michlibrary.org/libraryof-things for details.

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STEAM-to-Go Kits Beginning this summer, children and families can dig deep into science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with our new STEAM-to-Go Kits! The kits, made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, integrate high-interest books with interactive resources and handson activities to encourage STEAM exploration at home. Twenty kits will be available to check out, and topics will include dinosaurs, magnets, electronics and coding, nature, machines and contraptions, music, robotics, trucks and tools, yoga, and more. The kits will have everything you need to engage in fun and innovative learning activities with your children and grandchildren this summer!

Virtual Summer Programs for Adults Join us for our high-quality, entertaining, and educational programs from the comfort of your own home. This summer’s adult programs will be presented live online using Zoom, and links to join the programs will be posted on the library’s website prior to the events. Michigan documentary filmmaker and historian Ric Mixter will present “Bottled Goodbyes” on Tuesday, July 20; “Meet Mae West” will be presented by Martina Mathisen on Thursday, August 12; and back by popular demand, Kevin Wood will present “Abraham Lincoln as Storyteller” on Thursday, August 26.

Each program begins at 7 p.m. Visit www.morton.michlibrary.org/adultprograms for program descriptions.

We thank the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Heart of the Lakes – Mecosta for supporting these events.

Tails and Tales Virtual Summer Reading Program for Children and Teens Children and teens, get ready to go wild at the library this summer! Join us for our 2021 Tails and Tales Virtual Summer Reading Program. Complete the 30-day Reading and Activity Challenge to earn a prize bag and be entered into the drawing to win one of several grand prize baskets and gift cards. Enjoy “paw-some” weekly events from the comfort of your own home

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with a combination of live online and prerecorded programs to view at your convenience. The children’s programs will be on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., beginning June 16, and will feature live animals, magic, puppets, music, comedy, and more! Our weekly virtual programs for teens will be on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m., beginning June 24, and will feature live animals, magic, a 2D animation workshop, and a Marvel Comic illustrator. Visit our website, www.morton. michlibrary.org, for event information and to register for the reading challenge and virtual events. We thank the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs mini grant program, administered by LowellArts, and the Friends of the Morton Township Public Library for supporting our summer reading events.

Virtual Storytime Toddlers, preschoolers, and their families are invited to join us for our weekly Online Storytime sessions. The prerecorded videos are posted on our website and feature songs, rhymes, stories, and games appropriate for our littlest library users.

Supplemental craft and activity packets are available to pick up at the library. Summer sessions will begin June 15.

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Technology Help Do you need help using your laptop, phone, or tablet or downloading eBooks or eAudiobooks to your device? Would you like to become more familiar with Microsoft Office, Google, or email? Our technology services coordinator is happy to help with any technology-related questions. Call or stop by the library on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for assistance.

Curbside Service Curbside pickup service continues to be available Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Request materials by phone or email or by logging into our online catalog, and we will contact you when they are ready for pickup.

Morton Township Public Library is located at 110 S. James Street in Mecosta. Contact us at 231-972-8315 or info@ mtplibrary.org., or visit www.morton.michlibrary.org. We look forward to seeing you soon! c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

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CATCH A DRAGON by the Trail

BY JOYCE B. WILCOX

WHEN I WAS asked to research and write an article about Michigan’s Dragon, I was both intrigued and a bit confused. Up until I was contacted by The Canadian Laker, I didn’t realize that we had a dragon in our state, let alone one residing in Mecosta and Newaygo counties. The only dragon I had ever personally encountered was Applesauce, the marionette dragon from my youth appearing on a children’s television program sponsored by Twin Pines Dairy. Applesauce aired on Milky’s Party Time in the Detroit area during the 1950s and 1960s, and I had the privilege of going on stage and shaking his puppet paw when he was on an elementary school tour. And yes, not only did I just reveal the extent of my previous limited knowledge of dragons, but also my approximate age.

So I guess it is true: a pride of dragons cometh before the tell-all.

Trying my best to imagine what Michigan’s Dragon must be like, I envisioned the dragons I’d seen in movies, read about in children’s books, and heard about in songs. These references of fictional dragons led me to conclude that research of a more serious nature was needed to better understand the actual dragon I’d been assigned to investigate. So after visiting the Michigan Dragon website, I was armed and ready with maps, my favorite walking shoes, and an endurance level of being able to walk 4 to 5 miles daily.

I was off to confront and conquer the dragon. What follows is my tale of Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam, also known as the Dragon Trail.

In 1929, Consumers Power Company began construction of Hardy Dam, the world's third largest earthen dam. Creation of the dam diverted the Muskegon River in Big Prairie Township of Newaygo County and formed a nearly 4,000-acre lake that became known as Hardy Pond.

Photo credit: Alex Stewart

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Photo credit: Martin Hall

In 2009, Dave Wright, the Big Prairie Township supervisor at the time, had the creative vision of constructing a recreational trail system for hikers and nonmotorized bikers that would ultimately use portions of the land surrounding Hardy Pond.

There’s really no getting around it—big ideas take big chunks of time and cost big bucks. After years of brainstorming and planning, Dave Wright’s vision slowly began evolving from concept to reality. Through the cooperation of and generous contributions from the Consumers Energy Foundation, Newaygo and Mecosta counties, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, and many other corporations and private individuals, construction plans were finalized and trail construction began in 2019. The West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA) also entered into a volunteer preservation agreement with area park commissions to assist with routine maintenance of this world-class trail.

No longer just a fantasy like Puff the Magic Dragon, Michigan’s Dragon was taking its first steps toward reality and completion. Deriving its name from the unique shape, which follows some of the Hardy Pond shoreline, the Dragon Trail closely resembles

Above: Beautiful view of Hardy Pond Below: Mountain biking at The Dragon

Photo credit: Steve Wickham

a Chinese dragon often seen displayed in parades. Only imagine larger—much larger. First of all, erase all images of what you might think of as big and think humungous or perhaps even ginormous. Disney’s Elliot from Pete’s Dragon fame was considered big at 40 feet. J.R.R. Tolkien’s dragon in The Hobbit, Smaug the Tremendous, was huge at 59 feet.

But once completed, Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam will measure 47 miles of linear trails. Doing some quick math here, that would make Michigan’s Dragon ginormous by any standard at, 248,160 feet.

Not to worry about having to traverse the entire trail, as it is conveniently divided into 11 connecting segments, all of which are well marked. At any point you may simply reverse on the trail and return to your own starting point rather than continuing on course. Sections 8 through 11 are fully complete and are 1.8 miles, 7.4 miles, 1.7 miles, and 0.7 miles in length, respectively. Parking is close to the start of each trail. Sections 2 and 4 are partially complete and presently allow for an additional 7 miles of limited access, as construction is still under way. Trail sections 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

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Photo credit: Steve Wickham Mountain Bike Huddle at The Dragon

are slated for future construction. A section of the Dragon Trail will also be constructed to exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards, permitting people of all abilities to enjoy its splendor.

These 11 segments of connecting trails allow for optimum public access to precious natural settings while simultaneously and literally keeping trail users on track.

With a predetermined course, the environmental resources of the surrounding areas are protected, and the views are well worth the walk or pedal. Most of the pathways are 24 to 36 inches wide and well banked, allowing for manageable maneuvers whether you’re on foot or nonmotorized mountain bikes. They were also constructed to limit soil

erosion, protecting the pristine Michigan habitats of endangered species in the area, all the while permitting fabulous overlooks. Nearby campsites and playgrounds are also available, and a few manmade bridges are in place where they were deemed necessary for public access.

It should be noted that these paths are not paved with concrete or asphalt.

They are generally composed of a sandy soil that has been moderately compacted and often seasoned by Mother Nature herself as she constantly sprinkles leaves, small twigs, and stones. Whether you’re weaving along the elevated coastline of Hardy Pond or meandering through the undulating lush forest on straightaways, sloping curves, or switchbacks, the Dragon Trail permits nature to reside at home while graciously entertaining the public as visiting guests.

My dragon tale ends here, but the Dragon Trail goes on. Hope to see you on the trails soon.

For more information about the Dragon Trail or to make a donation, go to www.thedragon.us/the-dragon-trail.

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July Madness Is Here!

BY JEFF BUTZIN

NCAA HAS MARCH MADNESS, but Canadian Lakes will experience July Madness, as the Canadian Lakes Pickleball Club will host its second Pickleball Tournament July 23-25 at Legacy Park.

We are all glad to have 2020 behind us as we prepare for our second tournament. Our 2019 tournament was a great success, with 200 players participating in the three-day event.

This turned out to be one of the biggest events held at Canadian Lakes in 2019.

Many players came to our community who had not visited or experienced Canadian Lakes—players from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and beyond. In fact, at least two tournament participants have made Canadian Lakes their home and purchased in our great community.

They did this because of the warmth, experience, and friendliness they received from Canadian Lakes residents during their time at the tournament.

We expect that this year’s

CANADIAN LAKES, MICHIGAN PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

JULY 23, 24 & 25, 2021 AT LEG A C Y PA R K

WOMEN’S, MEN’S & MIXED DOUBLES

ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS Contact Canadianlakespickleballclub@gmail.com with questions or visit pickleballtournaments.com for more info and to sign up.

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tournament will be even bigger. As of this writing, we are the only tournament scheduled for July 23-25 in Michigan.

Why is this important? Because the exclusivity will draw more players to Canadian Lakes. Registration for our tournament recently opened, and in just two weeks more than 90 players have registered. Early registration shows almost 50 percent of our players are coming from outside Canadian Lakes.

These players will be coming to our community for the first or second time, and they will get to experience why we chose to live or buy here. It is not just pickleball—we can also showcase our lakes, clubs, golf courses, and everything else that Canadian Lakes has to offer.

We should all take advantage of this unique opportunity.

But a tournament like ours does not take place overnight. It takes months of planning and many volunteers to present a first-class tournament, one that players put on their schedule to play in year after year. The planning for our tournament began shortly after our 2019 tourney ended. COVID-19 forced our 2020 cancellation, but the plans for 2021 began late last year.

What makes our tournament great is the dedication and commitment of two ladies who make our event seamless.

Carol Schroeder, a Canadian Lakes resident, is our tournament director.

She coordinates and leads our many volunteers as the tournament planning begins, until and even well past the final match on July 25.

Carol works closely with the following tournament committees: • Marketing • Before the Tourney • Day of the Tourney • Venue • Volunteer Solicitation • Pickleball Board We are always looking for volunteers if you are interested in helping out.

Each committee does a lot of planning and has many responsibilities

that make the tournament run like a Swiss watch. From parking to sponsors, to setting up tents, to arranging signage, it is the work that often goes unnoticed.

It was all rewarded when 2019 player feedback was excellent and players asked that we continue the tournament in future years. That is when you know that all the hard work paid off.

Our second key member of the tournament is Marilyn Holladay, our operations and registration manager.

Many of us know about March Madness and 66 teams competing in the NCAA basketball tournaments. We fill out brackets and pick winners every year.

How about placing 200-plus players in brackets for each day’s play? Men’s and ladies doubles and mixed doubles make up our three days of action. But pickleball has three skill levels, from 2.0 to 5.0; and to make things even harder, age levels are considered. Thus, in each skill level you may have three or four age groups, making brackets more complicated than the NCAA Selection Committee could ever imagine. The goal is to make the tournament fun and

fair for all. Marilyn not only gets the brackets set; she also coordinates the daily play when the tournament begins, winners and losers, who belongs on Court 1 or Court 8. It is a complicated job that if not done properly can make a tournament a disaster.

Carol and Marilyn do more than I could possibly include here. Suffice it to say that without them and our volunteers, the tournament would not be a success.

Our upcoming tournament will be COVID-19 safe, from checking players’ temperatures at check-in, to providing hand sanitizer, to disinfecting tournament balls. All necessary precautions will be taken to make the tournament and Canadian Lakes safe.

Our tournament is a huge opportunity for Canadian Lakes.

You can welcome players, help with directions if a player appears lost, recommend the Royal Grille, and just be great Canadian Lakes spokespersons.

It benefits all of us.

Pickleball is rapidly growing nationally, and Canadian Lakes with its

excellent venue and location provide us the opportunity to be a mid-Michigan tournament destination for years to come.

The Canadian Lakes Pickleball Club welcomes you to come out and try the game. It is a great way to have fun and also meet new people. You can play with individuals of your age and skill level. I started four years ago, and I got addicted—it now matches golf for my favorite pastime.

If playing does not interest you, please come out to the Canadian Lakes Pickleball Tournament July 23-25 anyway. Tournament play will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. approximately; watch for updated information in Canadian Lakes emails and on the website.

Pickleball is a fun spectator sport; and who knows—your support may help a fellow Canadian Lakes friend or neighbor bring home a gold medal or two.

Hope to see you at Legacy Park soon. Let the July Madness begin!

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29 Years and Still Going Strong

BY LIZ DEAN

I

n the summer of 1992, a group of friends in Canadian Lakes got together and formed a community theatre group, now known as the Canadian Lakes Players. Their first production, Showtime I, was presented in the fall at the Alpine Haus. Through the years the group increased to well over 125 members, which consisted not only of actors, but also directors, producers, musicians, make-up artists, hair and wig stylists, wardrobe people, house managers, stage managers, carpenters, engineers, lighting and sound experts, set designers, costume makers, props handlers, painters, publicity personnel, ticket-takers, refreshment servers, curtain pullers, and many, many more. They started with one production and soon were entertaining our Canadian Lakes community with yearly winter, spring, and fall productions. Over these past 29 years, the CL Players group has put on 73 productions, consisting of comedies, dramas, murder-mystery dinner shows,

and some well-known musicals such as Oklahoma, South Pacific, and My Fair Lady for their families and friends in Canadian Lakes. What started out as just a few friends getting together has grown into a small theatre community.

But the Players do more than entertain. Throughout the years they have also been responsible for many of the upgrades at the Castle, such as curtains, sound, lighting, stage floor, and comfortable new chairs, which, once purchased, become the property of the CLPOC and are available for all the Canadian Lakes community activities.

Profits from the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre are used to sponsor two $1,000 college scholarships for students from the Chippewa Hills High School or Morley-Stanwood High School or for students who have been home-schooled and who have an interest in further pursuing their education in the theatre and arts programs at the colleges they choose. At Christmastime, the Players

Dixie Swim Club Cast: Liz Dean (Vernadette Simms), Marsha Parsons (Jeri Neal McFeelely), Elaine Cox (Lexie Richards), Linda Rinehart (Sheree Hollinger), Millie Diget (Dinah Grayson)

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

donate $1,500 divided among local charities such as God’s Helping Hands, the Salvation Army, Angels of Action, and the Veterans Ward in Grand Rapids (that is sponsored by a group from Ferris State University), to name a few.

Not wanting to leave out any of our young thespians, the Players group runs a four-day summer theatre camp for Canadian Lakes members’ children, grandchildren, and friends from ages 8 to 16. The camp is staffed by CL Players members who actually have participated in productions, whether on or behind stage. There are three days of learning the ropes of not only acting but also all the behind-the-scenes work that leads up to a final production. On the last day of the camp, the campers participate in a scripted production that is put on for their parents, grandparents, and friends.

Registration for the theatre camp starts in February, and the camp quota is usually filled by April, with a waiting list of new youngsters who wish to fill any cancelled spots.

If you have ever been involved in theatre, whether in high school, college, or a local theatre group, why not join us? Even if you have not been involved with the theatre but think you just might like to give it a try, we welcome you one and all. Like myself, many of our CL Players had not set foot on or behind a stage before they joined our group. If you’re looking for a place to meet some great people and have fun doing so, come on—be a Player! We meet the first Wednesday of each month at the Highland Haus at 4:30 p.m. If you are still debating with yourself as to whether this is a good fit for you, come and join us and see for yourself what a great group of people we have. You’ll never regret it! For more information, contact Marsha Parsons, club president, at 231-972-7447.

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CANADIAN LAKES

5K Fun Run/Walk

BY LEE WOLKEN

A

Chris Desbach and Megan Clifford after the 2019 5K Fun Run

A CONVERSATION WITH

Bill Hull

BY FRAN VOCI

Twenty-three years ago, two great decisions were made. Canadian Lakes and a young golf course superintendent from Detroit decided they had a future together. Bill Hull had been at a 9-hole course in the Detroit area for seven years when a friend mentioned a job opportunity at Canadian Lakes. “Golf was booming in northern Michigan, so a move to Canadian Lakes with three courses sounded good,” Bill says. A visit to Canadian Lakes with its new golf maintenance building and new equipment, as well as the opportunity to install irrigation systems on two golf courses, was all that was needed to close the deal. According to Bill, “This was an opportunity never to be repeated.” With that, Bill Hull became a fixture in the Canadian Lakes golf community.

Over the years, Bill has taken on many more work responsibilities but never given up his connection to our 42

fter canceling the 5K last year, we plan to have the 5K Run/Walk around Lake Laura on Saturday, July 3. The tee-shirt pick-up will be from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. in the parking lot east of the Royal Grille and tennis courts (9775 East Clubhouse Drive). The race will start at 8:30 a.m. in the same area.

Four trophies will be awarded: to the first adult male and adult female finishers in the 5K run, and to the first youth (12 years and younger) male and female finishers in the 5K run. This is a “fun run,” meaning there will not be a clock and finishing times will not be recorded. Pets and strollers are welcome.

Water will be available for participants after the run/walk.

This event is open to everyone, and there is no entry fee—it’s FREE. You do not need to be a Canadian Lakes member to participate, and you don’t need to purchase a tee-shirt. If you would like to purchase a tee-shirt with the Canadian Lakes logo, pick up an order form at The Pines or The Royal golf course clubhouses; or go to www.canadianlakes.org to print the form. A tee-shirt purchase is only guaranteed if the tee-shirt form and $12 are received by June 19.

A limited supply of tee-shirts will be available for purchase on race day.

If you have any questions, contact Lee Wolken at 231 972-7756 or leewolken@yahoo.com.

courses. Today, Kevin Van Horn is his right-hand man, managing the day-today maintenance of our courses. Kevin has grown into his job over 17 years under Bill’s leadership.

Bill and Dennis Wolfe tour the courses a couple times every year to evaluate needs and plan changes as needed.

“Golf in Michigan has experienced significant challenges in the last decade,” Bill says. “A lot of courses have closed.”

The aging population at Canadian Lakes had limited interest in funding amenities. “We were experiencing a loss of participation from our members.

An early Board of Directors decision to establish a reserve fund to maintain facilities over their normal lifespan saved us.” Expenditures still needed to be justified; but once they were justified, funds were available to meet the needs.

Our current membership funding model of included amenities is popular with people now choosing Canadian Lakes.

“We see this by increased usage of our amenities,” Bill explains.

Highlights of those 23 years for Bill include those early irrigation projects and meeting his future wife in the area T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

and marrying her at the Castle. Bill and his wife, Trina, now live in Canadian Lakes along with their border collie, Lincoln. Members may remember his earlier dogs who frequented the golf courses: Arnie (Palmer), a big golden retriever with a yen for running; and Hagen (Walter), a border collie well known for stealing golf balls while play was under way.

For Bill, Canadian Lakes has been and is a great place to work. He is excited about the Community Planning Process currently under way. He says, “I fully expect to retire here when the time comes for that.”

Next Steps

BY CLPOC FINANCE COMMITTEE

We find ourselves in uncharted territory as we close out fiscal year (FY) 2021.

During the spring 2019 campaign for the Future Funding Plan, a new philosophy of community funding was envisioned and communicated to the Canadian Lakes members—one that was perceived to be flexible enough to withstand the unknowns of the future.

The vision of the Future Funding Plan was to create a plan that would— with minimal annual increases, amenity inclusions, strict budget and management controls, and transparency—create a stable and sustainable community. It was the vision that such a community would attract new members. New members would create “success” funds. Success funds would provide for measured growth and development.

This first year of the plan was fraught with challenges beyond our expectations—full state lockdown, amenity closures, limited amenity use, and other physical and mental challenges. As we now close the books on FY 2021, we find the ability of this plan to adapt to these challenges has produced peace of mind, for which we all are thankful.

These funds, as envisioned, will now be used for the continued growth, development, and protection of member investment in this community.

To continually run a corporation on

a shoe-string budget does not create growth, development, or protection for the stakeholders. You, the members, are the corporate investors. You want this business to grow, develop, and thrive.

From what we have seen with our plan in 2020, it will grow, it will develop, and it will thrive.

SO… What do we do before we close out the year and generate final financial statements as well as the audit report?

Currently, we have identified the following potential options: • as of March 31, 2021, accrue expenses incurred but not yet paid – Accrue the liability (and the related expense) for items incurred during the current fiscal year, but these will not be paid until a future fiscal year(s).

Two items immediately come to mind here: Legal Expenses and Lot Default Market Study.

• accrual for continued Royal Grille functions related to COVID-19 – We are still experiencing the impact of

the COVID-19 issue. The main asset/ amenity that seems to be materially impacted going forward will be The Royal Grille. This is due to the continued statutory restrictions placed on and additional cost related to indoor dining, as well as the uncertainty around our current environment (people returning to indoor dining and the related bar activity).

• Capital Fund – Allocate dollars to the Capital Fund.

• Reserve Replacement Fund – Allocate dollars to the Reserve Replacement Fund.

As we move forward and get a better feel for our final year-end cash position, we can update this document and make the necessary recommendations to the Finance Committee and potentially the Board of Directors. It’s obvious that the responsibilities of the board, committees, and departmental heads have been taken seriously as we work together to make Canadian Lakes our home.

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231-972-4813 www.emsboatstorage.com

43

Retirement Community Services and Amenities

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

9100 Buchanan Rd., Mecosta (Canadian Lakes Area)

231-972-6600

Safety

Canadian Lakes Safety

D

ear Canadian Lakes Members, I hope this article finds you all healthy and enjoying the warm weather!

With summer here, I wanted to touch on a few important reminders.

WATERCRAFT Please ensure that your vessel has the proper 2021 Canadian Lakes stickers attached; without them, you will not be able to launch. This will be closely monitored, with absolutely NO exceptions. Please respect the job our ramp guards do every year and have your information in order prior to arrival. Also, outside of the normal hours of operation, please be sure to call ahead to schedule your launch, as the gates will be locked. We cannot guarantee immediate service, as the summer is an extremely busy season for Safety. The ONLY areas approved for launch are those designated by the CLPOC. Launching from a common area or private property (even with proper stickers) is considered a rule violation that will be strictly enforced.

In previous years, some members have disregarded this rule and in consequence damaged sensitive wildlife areas along our shores. This season we will also be continuing our partnership with the Michigan DNR and Mecosta County Sheriff ’s Department Marine Division to assist in enforcing all legal matters related to both watercraft operation and wildlife management.

Note: To clarify after some questions were asked on the topic last season: Guests are NOT permitted to launch and/or use their own non-Canadian-Lakes-registered watercraft on Canadian Lakes waters.

RAMP HOURS • Monday through Wednesday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Thursday – CLOSED, NO WAKE DAY • Friday – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday and Sunday – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

ATVS/GOLF CARTS ATV and off-course golf cart operation is only approved on designated roadways within Canadian Lakes, including paved roads and dirt access roads within the common areas. ATV operation is PROHIBITED on the green areas of the parks and commons areas—the only exception being if you are going to park at your common area boat dock or designated slip. These vehicles can cause damage to the terrain that leads to erosion issues and so forth, so we ask that you respect the area around you. Another concern is safe operation while using your ATV or golf cart. We

ROB MICKEY Safety Department Director rmickey@clpoc.org

had numerous reports last year of underage and reckless driving in the campground area; this is unsafe and will not be tolerated. Please be cautious and be courteous of those around you.

Thank you all for your patience during another high season outside of what we were used to in the past. I understand that rules and restrictions can sometimes be frustrating, especially these days; but they are in place for one main reason—your safety and well-being. I continue to ask that you do your part to help make Canadian Lakes a place where we can all enjoy our summer!

DOGS ALL dogs MUST be on a leash within Canadian Lakes property. I have had numerous reports from all over the development about roaming dogs and aggressive dogs approaching walkers and joggers. This is completely unacceptable and dangerous for the people involved as well as for the dogs. Not only is this a serious rule violation that can affect your member-in-good-standing status and result in fines here in Canadian Lakes, it is also a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan with penalties that also include fines and possible criminal prosecution. During this summer season, my office will be focusing on this problem and contacting members who have been allowing their dogs to roam or walk off-leash. Please see that you contain your pet on your property and have it on a leash during walks.

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

45

YOUR CANADIAN LAKES Mobile Watch wrapped up the 2020/2021 Winter Watch (formerly referred to as the Red Lights) coverage effective May 1. It was a very busy year, with more than 290 homes on the list at one time or another.

When you see Mobile Watch patrollers, please give them a hearty thanks for their good work this past winter. I know that some of our residents are very thankful for the vigilance and timely red light reporting that helped alleviate potential problems caused by malfunctioning furnaces.

BY ROGER STOBERT MOBILE WATCH COORDINATOR

HOUSE NUMBER SIGNS For those of you who have already installed reflective house numbers in your front yards, the Mobile Watch and the Safety Department thank you. These reflective green-and-white address numbers are a great help. They easily identify a house and make it more visible both day and night. These signs also assist the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services in locating your home in case assistance is needed.

During winter, it is not unusual for house number signs and posts to get knocked down or bent. If that is the case at your residence, please correct this problem as soon as possible. It has been proven that clearly visible reflective house numbers are lifesavers.

When checking on the condition of your reflective house number sign, please ensure that your sign is posted at least four feet off the ground. If your investigation reveals that the sign does not meet that specification, consider reinstalling the sign so that it does. Signs posted lower to the ground than four feet will likely be partially or totally obscured by plowed snow during the winter months.

If you need assistance in reinstalling your existing sign or installing a new one, contact Roger Stobert, MW Coordinator. Roger will dispatch someone to help you.

These signs are available at ACE Hardware. In addition, applications to purchase professionally made signs through Morton Township are available at the CLPOC office or the Morton Township Office in Mecosta.

The form can also be downloaded from the Morton Township website: mortontownship.org/wp-content/up loads/2019/02/911_SIGN.pdf.

DISPLAY THE CANADIAN LAKES STICKERS & VISITOR PASSES You should have installed your 2021 Canadian Lakes registration stickers by now; but if not, please do so soon.

Timely application minimizes delays when you access amenities such as the Yard Waste site and the boat ramps and can prevent your receiving a warning sticker from Canadian Lakes Safety when your vehicle is parked at any of our beaches or other common areas.

46

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

The proper display of current year stickers also helps Safety and Mobile Watch personnel identify vehicles that belong here and those that do not.

Please remember to provide your guests with personal guest passes and vehicle guest tags to hang on their vehicles’ rear-view mirrors. Guest tags and IDs can be obtained at the CLPOC office.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS The number of residents and guests walking, jogging, and running on our roads increases dramatically with warmer weather. For your personal safety, please walk, run, and jog on the LEFT side of the road, against traffic.

Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight at night to make it easier for drivers to see you. Be mindful of loose gravel and debris on and next to your walking pathway.

VEHICULAR SAFETY TIPS Please remember the speed limit throughout Canadian Lakes is 25 mph.

With the number of pedestrians, bicyclists, ATVs, and golf carts—not to mention the deer and other wildlife— sharing our roads, we must remain alert. Distracted driving is one of the major contributors to accidents. For your safety and that of your loved ones, please keep your attention on the road, whether driving a car, truck, ATV, or golf cart! AND PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED!

up or part-time member. Remember, we are all Canadian Lakers, and our strong suit has always been helping one another. If you can devote some time to help keep your Canadian Lakes a safe place to live, please contact Roger Stobert at 231-288-0148 or spankky@ charter.net.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we do have some volunteers awaiting orientation to join the Mobile Watch

ranks. As soon as these restrictions allow, and we can safely do so, we will have an orientation session to get these new volunteers on the active status.

ENJOY THE SUMMER AND BE SAFE OUT THERE!

NEW TO CANADIAN LAKES? Welcome! If you haven’t

already, please contact Member Services at 231-972-7651 or memberservices@clpoc.org to schedule your appointment to get membership cards, vehicle stickers, and any other amenities privileges you’d like.

Then,

YOUR ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED One of the goals of the Mobile Watch is to have at least one patrol every day in each of the nine Mobile Watch patrol areas. With the return of our snowbird members, we have been able to increase our patrol efforts. However, we now have members who are leaving for seasonal employment opportunities. While we have been successful in attracting some new Mobile Watch members, we need to continue to ask for volunteers to fill vacancies. Even if you cannot serve on a full-time basis, we welcome your assistance as a back-

please visit our members’ website at members.canadianlakes.org to register. You’ll find a ton of great, useful info and you’ll automatically be signed up to receive the Members’ Bulletin email.

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

47

Your Canadian Lakes Yard Waste Site

BY ROGER STOBERT YOUR VOLUNTEER YARD WASTE COORDINATOR

231-288-0148 spankky@charter.net

HOW/WHO: To gain access, you will need a current CLPOC ID, vehicle sticker, or guest pass. A hired contractor who confirms his or her identity may use the site by presenting the member’s ID card, guest pass, or other information— (for example, contractor name, member name, and member lot number) showing the contractor is performing landscaping duties for a CLPOC member.

WHAT: Items allowed to be brought to the Yard Waste site include tree and shrub branches and limbs less than 4 inches in diameter and plant-based materials normally associated with residential yard maintenance such as grass clippings, leaves, and discarded mulch. Garbage, including food scraps such as rinds, peels and cores, campfire ashes, and

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yard waste containers of any kind are NOT allowed to be left at the site.

WHERE: The Yard Waste site is located on the south side of Pierce Road between 110th Ave. and Tullymore Dr. WHEN: Your Yard Waste site is OPEN every Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April through November except Easter Sunday.

Access is not permitted at other times.

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

QUESTIONS: Your friendly on-duty Yard Waste attendant will answer any question you may have, or you may contact Roger Stobert, Yard Waste Coordinator, at 231-288-0148 or spankky@charter.net.

If you forget any of the above, all of this information is on the Canadian Lakes website at members. canadianlakes.org/cl-yard-waste/.

CLPOC Board Minutes CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Saturday, March 27, 2021 (Virtual Via Zoom) 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Paul Szymkowicz, President at 9:00 a.m. Board members present were: John Colley, Vice President, James French, Treasurer, Linda Tilley, Secretary, Dan Rice, Dan Altier, Jerry Juncker and Steve Wilcox. Bob Halpin arrived at 9:53 a.m.

2. Staff members: Greg Babbitt, Kim Dowell, Jessica Slendak 3. Approval of the Agenda: Motion

by Wilcox / Support Rice Passed 7/0 (Halpin absent) AUSTIN AND MORTON TOWNSHIP REPORTS: 1. Austin Township: None received.

2. Morton Township: M Klumpp report: We are soliciting bids for the construction of a recycling facility to allow us expanded and more efficient recycling options.

3. We will be approving a special assessment district for paving Valley Court at our April meeting.

4. Tri-Lakes association is moving forward with a petition signature drive to start a special assessment district for gypsy moth spraying in their area.

5. There is an upcoming election on May 4, 2021. Mecosta County Parks and Mid Michigan College.

Please do your homework and become an informed voter - the Mid Michigan millage promises approximately $240,000 a year in savings to local students at a price tag of $1,042,120 per year in taxesforever. This is not a good millage for Morton Township.

6. Recently approved approximately $250,000 in road repairs and maintenance in the township through Mecosta County Road Commission.

7. The Township is now back to having our meetings in person with a face mask and social distancing required.

8. Hired local builder Rich Davis as our new building and zoning official.

9. It appears we will be receiving a little over $400,000 in stimulus funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. We are still researching what those funds can be used for and will let you know what we have designated them for at a future date.

10. President’s Report: President Szymkowicz noted that the snow and ice are gone. Golfers are out enjoying their first rounds on the Pines, some boats are in the water and Spring is finally here. This Spring is vastly different than what we experienced last year. Many of our amenities are now open with restrictions, the Pines office and the CLPOC office is open by appointment only. The campground is scheduled to open on time. Our general manager is keeping up with the Governor’s mandates and will keep us apprised of changes as they occur. Thanks to our members and staff for their patience as we navigate COVID-19.

11. Financial Report: Controller Dowell reviewed the financial statements included in the agenda packet. Noted that this year 352 lots have outstanding 2020 balances, last year at this time 372 lots had outstanding balances from 2019.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. ACC: Director Tilley reported four new home builds were approved by the committee. These quality homes will complement their respective neighborhoods. The approved plans are for new residents. The lot owners range from recent land purchases to longer-term owners. Director Wilcox asked if the marketing department had a plan in place to contact new property owners, noting that many of the new builds are new to Canadian Lakes. Have we surveyed them to determine the reason they chose Canadian Lakes for their new home. General Manager Babbitt said that New Member Packets are provided to all new members. Vice c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

2.

3.

4.

5.

President Colley reminded the board that Salesforce software was purchased and will be an asset in tracking interest in and purchases in Canadian Lakes.

CLA Liaison: Director Rice reports that the meeting on March 4th.

There are 808 paid 2021 members.

Of those, 15 are new, 147 not renewed as of March 2nd. Bruce and Caroline Miller were this month’s member appreciation gift card winners. Easter Egg Lane April 3rd , CLA Shopping Spree promotion started February 1 and will run until June, Kite Day is May 15. Details for all these events can be found in the Lite Lines and on the CLA website. The CLA board thanks the local businesses for their support.

Executive: The committee met to discuss several legal items on March 24. The success of the Group Golfers promotion and the Morton Township paving project. In person meetings are not yet scheduled.

Discussion on the updates of the Articles of Incorporation and presentation to the membership.

Finance: Director French reported that the committee reviewed the budget projections and discussed next year’s challenges. Finding seasonal employees continues to be a challenge. Small Claims are continuing to be filed and payments are being received. Gypsy Moth control and the potential cost was discussed. The activities of the Strategic Planning effort and updates for Lot Default Ad-Hoc Committee were also discussed.

Strategic Planning: Director Altier reported the committee met on March 8 to discuss the IT and multi-year community planning.

The Committee met with General Manager Babbitt, the management team and members of the Finance Committee on March 25.

The next steps reviewing the Lot Default Committee report, when issued, to determine if there are additional needs not yet con49

CLPOC Board Minutes sidered. The IT group will hold individual meetings with the departments to determine, in detail, current and future needs and the community interfaces needed.

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

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

This month Jessica Slendak presented the activities and plans of the Marketing Department.

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

4. Limitations on the amenity use will continue as required by the state.

5. The nice weather has allowed staff to get ahead of yearly maintenance in advance of the high season.

6. IRS dependents need to be listed to use the amenities. Non listed

dependents will be allowed one complimentary use, after that they will be charged the guest fee.

7. The Annual Garage sale and other Memorial Day weekend events are scheduled as in prior years, assuming no additional COVID-19 restrictions 8. Consent Calendar: The notes for the Board Workshop February 10, 2021, minutes of the Board Meeting February 23, 2021 and the receipt and filing of the February, 2021 Check Disbursements were presented for approval.

Motion by Tilley, Support by Rice Approved 7/0 (Halpin absent).

MEMBERS COMMENTS ON ITEMS FOR ACTION OR DISCUSSION: 1. Fran Voci, CL11. We have larger numbers of young children living here and visiting here. The major playground equipment at the ball field and Lookout Point beach could use some repair/replace

we insure your car. we insure yourpeople car. because some because sometopeople never learned park. never learned to park. simple human sense simple human sense

CHRIS ZIMMERMAN

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

attention. These two in particular are very heavily used. I don’t know if repair is covered under replacement reserve. Please see if something can be done especially about these two playgrounds. Both would benefit from replacement with larger equipment.

2. Richard Althouse, MF016. In regards to the cart path expenditure proposed. If this is to remove and replace, please consider voting not to remove any, just add more. In my opinion, none of our existing paths are that bad where we need to remove and replace, however, adding more and extending others would be great.

3. Rick Lowe, RS546 & RS547. A lot of these expenditures are replacing capital assets that have reached the end of their life cycle so the list of proposed expenditures is fairly straight forward stuff. I’ve really only got one comment/question and it is more of an accounting question: Will these items be treated as capital assets and depreciated over their life cycle on a GAAP basis? Or, since the replacement reserve fund is essentially a “maintenance” budget, will these items be expensed in the fiscal year that the expenditure is made?

4. One question from Bonnie Fielder, CL141, regarding the Annual Garage Sale. The question was answered by General Member Babbitt during his report.

ITEMS FOR ACTION: 1. Approve Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget for April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022 • Operating Income and Expense line-item budget of $4,943,808 • Replacement Reserve Contribution of $592,000 • Capital Improvement Fund Contribution of $50,000 • Replacement Reserve Expenditures in principal of $515,916 2. Motion by French/Support Wilcox Approved 7/0 (Halpin absent) 3. Director Halpin joined the meeting at 9:53 am.

CLPOC Board Minutes ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Motion to suspend the rules for item 12a. Wilcox/Support, Approved 8/0 2. Approve the purchase of a Maintenance Cleaning Vehicle not to exceed $20,685, Motion by Wilcox/ support French Approved 8/0 3. Motion to suspend the rules for item 12b. French/Support by Wilcox , Approved 8/0 4. Approve the purchase of a Safety Vehicle not to exceed $18,390 Motion by French/Support Wilcox, Approved 8/0 5. Motion to suspend the rules for item 12c. Wilcox/Support French, Approved 8/0 6. Approve the Michigan Liquor Control Liquor license resolution for application for a special license for June 5, 2021, July 25, 2021 and

7.

8.

9.

10.

August 28,2021 to approve alcohol.

Motion by Wilcox/Support Rice, Approved 8/0 Lot Default Ad-Hoc Report: Director Halpin reported a short committee meeting to set up April activity. Meeting with Michigan Land Bank two times during April.

The report from Sharon Wood will be presented to the board and LDC committee members on April 9 from 2-4:00 p.m. The session will be recorded for viewing at a later time by those not able to attend.

Members’ Comments: None received.

Directors’ Comments: None Received Member Communication Requirements: Notifying members that the Budget was approved for 2022. Also,informing

the community they will be receiving the departmental reports each month and how to access the reports.

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:02, 10:08 1. Adjournment: Motionby French/ Support Altier at 10:50 a.m., Approved 8/0 2. Notes: The Board workshop previously scheduled for March 10, 2021 was cancelled The next Board Workshop is scheduled for April 14, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.; the next scheduled Board Meeting is at 9:00 a.m. on April 24, 2021.

Today’s meeting was viewed by 34 people.

Respectfully submitted by Linda Tilley.

(Minutes are printed as submitted.)

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Saturday, April 24, 2021 (Virtual Via Zoom) 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Paul Szymkowicz, President at 9:00 a.m. Board members present were: John Colley, Vice President, James French, Treasurer, Linda Tilley, Secretary, Dan Rice, Dan Altier, Bob Halpin, Jerry Juncker and Steve Wilcox.

2. Staff members: Greg Babbitt, Kim Dowell, Jessica Slendak 3. Approval of the Agenda: Motion

by French / Support Rice Passed 8/0 AUSTIN AND MORTON TOWNSHIP REPORTS: 1. Austin Township: S. Mayo: Park millage will be on the May 4 ballot.

One of the County Commissions noted that it would be better to raise daily fees. In that manner, the park improvements are funded by those using the park. The fire service contract with Morton township has been extended for 5 years.

Graveling of Six Mile Road has been added to the list of road work

by Mecosta County Road Commission. Township Hall rentals will be resumed with a limit of two rentals of hall per week to allow

for enhanced cleaning. The rental contract will contain COVID restrictions.

2. Morton Township: M Klumpp report: We signed a contract to build a new drive through recycling facility. The project should be completed by early Summer.

One of the improvements will be a carboard compacting mechanism. This will allow us to sell the cardboard, rather than paying to have it hauled away. The fire service contract with Austin Township is being finalized. Residents of Austin Township will continue to be covered by the excellent Morton Township Fire Rescue service.

3. Firefighter Cecil DeMott was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his nearly 50 years of service with the Morton Township Fire Department.

4. President’s Report: President Szymkowicz noted that Spring has finally arrived and Summer is just around the corner. He spoke with several golfers who reported that the courses are in excellent c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

condition, thanks to the work of the Canadian Lakes grounds staff.

The campground is full of activity, the staff and members are getting ready for the coming season.

The boat launch has seen a lot of activity in anticipation of a great boating season.

5. Financial Report: Controller Dowell reviewed the financial statements included in the agenda packet. Noted that this year 317 lots have outstanding 2020 balances, 231 lots have outstanding balances from 2019.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. ACC: Secretary Tilley reported one new home build was approved by the committee.

The home will be built in 2022 and is for new lot owners and soon-to-be new residents. Two new fence requests and two new shed requests were approved.

Other requests are holding for more information.

2. CLA Liaison: Director Rice reports the CLA BOD meeting held in April as normal. Please 51

CLPOC Board Minutes refer to the CLA Website and the Lite Lines for complete minutes and details for the April meeting.

The CLA BOD discussed recent changes on the COVID restrictions for CL building use and opening dates in the near future.

Desire is to get meetings back to being held in person at the Highland House soon. Maggie Richardson submitted her resignation. The BOD thanked her for her time and efforts. Total membership April 2021 is 872. This compares to 890 at the same time last year. Random membership appreciation award Winner is Julane Quick. Please renew your membership for 2021. Look for the new feature in the Lite Lines, “Kids Corner” which will appear on page 8. A Winter Fun Day Recap was completed and $155 was donated to Gods Helping Hands by the closest to the pin event that was so generously supported by our PGA Pro Dennis Wolfe and staff. Please consider volunteering to share the load of work. Please contact Robin Beilby if you can assist. Kite Day is May 15, 1-3 pm.

This is a CLA event only so please bring your membership card. NO DRONES ARE ALLOWED. The CLA Shopping event started Feb 1 and continues to run through June 21. To date over 700 receipts have been totaled at our local CL area businesses equating to over $15,000 were of purchases from local businesses.

3. Executive: The committee met to discuss several legal items and responses to members email inquiries this week.

4. Finance: Treasurer French reported that we do not have the number of lots going back to the state as of today. Small claims are still being pursued. Group Golfer was a big success, the golf leagues are full, the campground is full and the waiting list is growing.

Our outlook for this new fiscal year is promising. The review of the Replacement Reserve study is still pending due to COVID 52

restrictions on meetings.

5. Lot Default AdHoc: Director Halpin reported that the Target Market and Community Analysis reports were presented to the Board and LDC on April 9; the General Manager and his staff, the at-large members of Finance and Strategic planning on April 15. Two committee meetings are planned for April 27 and 28. The next meeting with the Michigan Land Bank is scheduled for May 12. Board members are asked to send your top takeaways from this report by April 30. That information will be helpful in developing a big picture view of the information.

6. Strategic Planning: Director Altier reported that a meeting with the IT subcommittee identified a timetable for the management review of the IT tools needed. Once that is complete, they will develop a schedule of activities, including identifying contract requirements.

The target for completion is late Fall of this year.

7. The committee reviewed and considered the LDC reports.

Several of the items presented reflected the Management Teams recommendations. This correlation highlights the value, insight and understanding the Management staff has for Canadian Lakes. The Community Funding plan will focus on maintaining and improving Canadian Lakes in the next year. Plans for the following years will be completed at a time to be determined.

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

2. Each month one of the department heads will attend the board meeting to present their reports in person. This month Dennis Wolf reported on the golf programs.

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

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

4. Limitations on the amenity use will continue as required by the state.

5. The General Manager’s committee meetings will resume soon.

6. Community buildings are now open, but following current COVID guidelines.

7. The Community Garage sale will be held as planned. The traditional 4th of July events are going forward as in prior years. No final decision has been made on the fireworks show. The Pickleball tournament is planned for July.

8. Consent Calendar: The minutes of the Board Meeting March 27, 2021 and the receipt and filing of the March, 2021 Check Disbursements were presented for approval.

Motion by Tilley, Support by Wilcox Approved 8/0.

MEMBERS COMMENTS ON ITEMS FOR ACTION OR DISCUSSION: 1. Items for Action: None 2. Items for Discussion: None 3. Members’ Comments: None received.

4. Directors’ Comments: The staff and general manager are thanked for the information, reports and input. The beach project is still targeted for May completion.

5. Member Communication Requirements: The general manager is asked to let the membership know that events are coming back online and we are striving to return to normal activities.

6. Recess to Executive Session: 9:41 am 7. Adjournment: Motion by French/Support Altier at 10:35 a.m., Approved 8/0 8. Notes: The next Board Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12 , 2021 at 5:30 p.m.; the next scheduled Board Meeting is at 9:00 a.m. on May 22, 2021.

Today’s meeting was viewed by 4 people.

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 2nd 3rd

2nd 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 4th THURSDAY 1st, 3rd

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1st 4th 2nd

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

ACTIVITY

Canadian Lakes Weekly Scheduled Activities 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

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. Book Babes Book Club Apr-Dec. Quilt Club Mah Jongg Apr-Oct. Mixed Bowling Sept-May Duplicate Bridge Weekly CLPOC Workshop/Agenda Mtg Main Conf. Room Girl Scout Troop 4788 Canadian Lakes Players Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Apr-Oct. Morton Twp. Planning Comm. Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct Treasure Seekers Fishing Fun Night May-Sept.

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

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: Sandy Engott 848-933-0759 jengott@aol.com Ladies 18-Hole Golf: Contact: Deb Macaddino 231-972-4874 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

LOCATION 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 Member Homes Highland Haus Alpine Haus Remus Lanes Alpine Haus 231-972-7651 Alpine Haus Highland Haus Alpine Haus 290 Main, Mecosta Destinations Vary Main Beach Royal Grille Alpine Haus Alpine Haus Edgewater Park Royal Courts Alpine Haus Alpine Haus 231-972-7651 Highland Haus Edgewater Park

CONTACT 231-796-2460 231-972-7920 231-359-1114 231-972-7920 989-560-2124 231-972-7138 231-972-7327 231-408-7716 231-972-7138 231-972-7472 231-972-0029 231-408-8801 231-972-5702 231-972-8869 616-581-6734 231-972-1115 231-215-5556 231-972-4858 231-629-2259 231-972-7447 231-972-8663 231-972-7138 231-359-1023 TBA 231-972-5132 231-972-0029 231-598-2203 TBA 231-629-1004 231-408-8801 231-972-1115 734-223-7841 231-972-3054 231-629-1004

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) Men’s Tuesday 9-Hole League: Contact: Tim Hannon 248-231-2990 timhannon@comcast.net CL Camera Club: Contact: Troy Smith 989-560-2124 smithtd1969@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 Men’s Summer Christian Book Study: Contact: Tom Keef 231-9725132 tomkeef@centurylink.net Alternate contact: Joe Rausch 989-2929980 rauschjoe@gmail.com

Please confirm before you plan to partake in any Canadian Lakes function as COVID-19 may affect meetings, events, and operations.

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

It's Gardening Time Again We’ve dreamed, we’ve planned, re-charged, let’s sow Enough of all those mounds of snow.

Let’s dig, then rake, scatter, then hope, Flower beds, containers, so much scope.

It’s our time again!

Globe-like allium, showy peonies, Plate sized dahlias, sprawling lilies, Delicate pinks, potent purples, Bountiful blues, warming yellows.

It’s our time again!

We love, we labor, despite the deer, Kneeling, bending, year after year.

Blind to the cold, heat and the rain, Stalwarts, grounded, simply insane?

So, unearth those trowels, rakes and gloves, Hook up the hoses and spread some love.

It’s our time again!

Griz Holbrook // Writer’s Quest

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