Focus on Fishing

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.

Canadian Lakes Bass Tournament, Saturday, June 19

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

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.

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 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

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!

BY JULIANE SCHAFER, DIRECTOR, MORTON TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

The 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.

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.

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

Hewyt and Heidi Westfall completing the Easter Egg Science Experiment from their Storytime Kit

Photo Credit: Brenda Westfall

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.

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!

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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: 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 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

Above: Beautiful view of Hardy Pond

Below: Mountain biking at The Dragon

Photo credit: Steve Wickham

Mountain Bike Huddle at The Dragon

Photo credit: Steve Wickham

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 LEGACY PARK

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.

Sponsored by

FRANKLIN BALL

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!

Kathleen Adams 231-250-3197

Todd Lincoln 989-560-4884

Bob Manzagol 231-349-8096 Sue Kempton 231-638-3498

Kolina Mako 989-423-0452

HOME -where fun happens!

Jim (JB) Bradley 231-598-4640

Michael Roberts 989-506-4275

Joe Mako 989-303-8544 Top Sales Agent in 2020! Full Time Agent Individualized Kathy AdamsPersonal Service Associate Broker Progressive Marketing Social Media Marketing Waterfront Specialist

231-250-3197 www.canadianlakeshomes.com

Email me at kadamsCBLakes@gmail.com

29 Years and Still Going Strong

BY LIZ DEAN

In 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 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.

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

CANADIAN LAKES 5K Fun Run/Walk

BY LEE WOLKEN

After 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.

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 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 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 StepsBY 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.

Shrink Wrapping Winterize Inboards & Outboards Short & Long Distance Hauling

ALL L SEASON N RV V & & BOAT T STORAGE E

Repair and Service Work Custom Canvas Covers Harbor Master Docks Boat Detailing

231-972-4813

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