Three
Housekeeping
Nutritional
Life enriching Activities • Beauty/Barber shop services
Caring
Registered
Visiting
JUNE/JULY 2024
Three
Housekeeping
Nutritional
Life enriching Activities • Beauty/Barber shop services
Caring
Registered
Visiting
JUNE/JULY 2024
Moody moody Michigan
she can’t make up her mind again
It’s part of the curricula
With this miraculous two-piece peninsula
Most days she’s pretty good and doesn’t change too much
Other days she lets us know there’s nothing she won’t touch
You’ll need a wardrobe in your trunk
The weather could change and you’ll be sunk
She has a big curvy coastline
Where her bounty flows like wine
Welcoming arms wrapped by lakes
The diversity of culture is all it takes
The clearest springs feed like welcoming arms
Into watering holes with all their charms
Filling them with fun and fish
Year-round enjoyment for your every wish
Waterfalls cascade through the majestic U.P.
Natures entertainment that everyone should see
Back roads and highways take you where to go
Discovering her secrets she’s more than happy to show
The Wildlife is as diverse as are the folks
Let’s not forget about the pines, maples and oaks
Trees are aplenty filling forest and street
You’ll find it’s the best place to rest and take a seat
Her taste in music is as diverse as her muse
She loves to enjoy rock, hip-hop, country and blues
Her heart beats with the blood of her encompassing unity
Pulsing through the neighborhoods of every community
She can be harsh but she can be bright
Give her any reason and she’ll put up a fight
Throwing snowballs one minute and sunshine the next
She’s always getting help from the fickle lake effects
Whether Moody moody Michigan has a tantrum or a glow
She will always be a respite where your happiness can flow
Come and see her magic it’s always in the air
Just Be ready for anything and come prepared for something mighty rare
GEORGETTE WILLOUGHBY/WRITER’S QUEST
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 ©2024 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.
Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation
PUBLISHER
Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation 10690 Pierce Road
Canadian Lakes, MI 49346
P 231-972-7651 canadianlakes.org
PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING
SVK Multimedia & Publishing PO Box 586
Hudsonville, MI 49426
616.379.4001
SVKmp.com • jolsasvk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
Lindsay Halcomb, Marketing Director
Art and Editorial provided by Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation thecanadianlaker@gmail.com
VOLUNTEERS
Joyce Wilcox
Chris Zimmerman
Cora Foley
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chuck Richardson
Di Schwartz
Dan Strandt
Candy Parnell
DEADLINE DATES
Feb/March - January 3 April/May – March 3 June/July – May 2 Aug/Sept – July 1 Oct/Nov – September 2 Dec/Jan – October 30
SUBMISSIONS
Canadian Lakes sanctioned groups and outside organizations are encouraged to submit articles, pending approval by CLPOC Board. Submit all copy as an email attachment to Editor at thecanadianlaker@gmail.com. Credits are noted with articles and photos.
GUIDELINES FOR ARTICLES
Submit in Microsoft Word®, double spaced, preferably in Calibri font 11pt. or Arial font 11pt. For complete guidelines, contact thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.
GUIDELINES FOR PHOTOS/GRAPHICS
Photos: Digital high-resolution photos. Low resolution photos usually not accepted. Graphics: Submit graphics in .png or .jpg format.
GET SOCIAL WITH CANADIAN LAKES canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org
facebook.com/campcanadianlakes facebook.com/canadianlakes facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes facebook.com/royalgrille facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes canadianlakes_mi
Greg Babbitt General Manager gbabbitt@clpoc.org
CLPOC OFFICE 10690 Pierce Rd. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346 Phone: 231-972-7651
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MEMBER SERVICES
Tara Schweitzer
Kathy Graham memberservices@clpoc.org
The community is again getting into full swing for the busy season. I have already seen many friendly faces. I have been hearing from some of the members that they did not know about certain things that were emailed out. I really do not like hearing this as we do our very best to keep the members informed. So, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to add your email address to your member profile on the website. We have requested email addresses in the past and I cannot stress the importance of this enough. If we do not have your email address, you are definitely missing out on important information, meeting notices, two weekly updates, special announcements, etc. Please do not rely on other sources to ensure you are getting all the accurate CLPOC news.
Again, this year, as part of our annual Summer Fest, I want everyone to know that the Fireworks this year will be on Saturday evening, July 6th. This day also has activities scheduled for everyone to enjoy. See page 35 or go to members. canadianlakes.org for a complete list and brief descriptions.
Just a friendly reminder as we get into our busiest time of year, please remember that our speed limit is 25 mph. I realize we can all be in a hurry at times, but I certainly want everyone to enjoy their time here, and driving safely and responsibly is important for all members and guests. We will again this year be placing the speed bumps at stop signs and the speed monitor at various “high speed” areas as deemed necessary.
• Under the direction of our Lake Manager, the lake weed treatment spraying will again be taking place from late-May to mid-June, dependent upon the optimal timing of weed development. It also may occur at separate times
for different lakes. Please follow the instructions on the notices that will be posted in the spray zones. In the nonspray accessible areas this year, we have budgeted for two commercial weed harvests and additional acreage to be harvested, and the timing of these will depend on weed development.
• We will also be operating the Truxor Lake Maintenance machine on the smaller lakes/ponds. Our Lake Manager is in the process of developing our plan. Initially the plan will be to work in many of the same areas as last year and if possible, getting to other additional needed areas this season.
In case you have not heard, the Board approved some projects that will be great improvements for the community.
Sand Sifter – we recently purchased a beach sand sifter to use on our various beach areas. We have already tested it and it does a great job. It sifts out stones, bottle caps, cigarette butts, etc., to keep the sand as pristine as possible.
Cabanas’s – recently three new cabanas were constructed for member enjoyment. One each at Pines Park Beach, East Royal Marina, and Lake Laura.
Skid Steer with stump grinder attachment – we recently purchased this and have already put it to use several times. We have used it to move sand/dirt and have also ground several stumps. It works very well and was a much-needed piece of equipment.
Royal #2 Drainage – this area on the #2 fairway had standing water and was always a drainage issue due to the large amount of clay in the area. We were able to add drain tiles to better disperse the standing water. With the recent rains, this project has been proven to be a significant improvement.
Pines Irrigation Replacement – this irrigation system, being approximately 60 years old, was long overdue for replacement. This project is a phased project and phase 1 (main line and irrigation heads) has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of May. During this replacement we have attempted to keep open as many holes as possible. The final phase, phase 2, will be the pumphouse replacement and will not affect play.
Pines Pro Shop Relocation – this relocation has been talked about for several years in order to eliminate the potential daily safety issue of several golf carts and pedestrians crossing Pierce Road. The new Pro Shop will be located approximately where the first tee is. Initial work of designing, site plan, permits, etc. has already begun. We expect tree clearing and dirt work to begin at the end of May, and then construction work to continue throughout the summer. We will be creating a temporary first tee during the construction process.
Royal Grille Kitchen AC Addition – with the previous installation of the new make-up air system properly working in the kitchen, the kitchen now reaches high temperatures which are unsafe. We attempted to offset this with a mini-split AC unit, but it does not provide enough cooling for the entire kitchen. So, in order to provide safer working conditions, we will now add an AC unit dedicated to cooling the make-up air coming into the kitchen. We expect this project to begin as soon as possible in hopes of beating the hot summer temperatures.
My staff and I look forward to this time of year as we get to see many of you enjoying the amenities and entertainment opportunities. We hope you will plan to attend the July 4th weekend festivities and we look forward to seeing many of you there.
As we are once again ramping up for another great season, let us keep the positivity going as this truly is a great community. Please remember to always be safe, and let us know if there is anything we can do to make your summer more memorable.
Paul L. Szymkowicz
President pls.clpoc@gmail.comLet the fun begin! Things are happening fast around Canadian Lakes as high season approaches. I was a little concerned about our spring lake levels until the recent rainfall we had in April and May. With the recent rainfall, our main lake levels are at or near capacity.
Memorial Day is just around the corner and our summer season is about to get under way. Our summer season may start with the arrival of the Memorial Day weekend and end with the passing of Labor Day, but for our department heads, staff and employees, this season is much longer. This is what our General Manger and staff refer to as our “high season.” This is the time required before and during the summer to get our amenities ready for use, maintain them throughout the summer, and then continue into the fall for winter shutdown.
Our General Manager, staff, and employees have been working very hard to get our amenities in tip top shape for the summer. Here are just a few of the countless items that receive attention before the start of summer. The campground bath houses have been cleaned and the electricity and water systems are turned on. The Royal Grille is looking forward to serving all its members and guests throughout the summer. Legacy Park and all the pavilions have all been inspected and are now ready for use. Pickleball, basketball, and the tennis courts are open. The golf carts have all been cleaned and are ready for use. The boat launch ramp has been installed. The beaches have all been graded and the swim buoys
installed. The three golf courses have been cleared of winter debris, the grass has been freshly cut, and the sprinklers systems recharged with water. The new sprinkler system is currently being installed on The Pines Golf Course. The Pines Pro Shop is also going to be moved to the south side of Pierce Road. Please take care of the construction that will be happening around the first tee. We are fortunate to have so many great amenities available to us here at Canadian Lakes that it is difficult to name them all.
There are several events planned for the summer. The Reuther Music Pavilion is booked for the summer with many concerts, the Fourth of July fireworks show, and the summer parade that hosts our Fire and EMS responders.
The Canadian Lakes Association also has great events planned for this summer. Please check your current Lite Lines for more information. If you have not yet joined the CLA, there is no better time to do so.
I would like to thank our General Manager, our department heads, our staff and employees, our great volunteers, and my fellow Directors that all contribute to making this process work. Please continue to support the effort that is being made to constantly improve the Canadian Lakes experience for us all. I would like to wish everyone a safe summer and please remember to treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself.
CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org
OFFICERS
President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com
Vice President Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com
Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com
Secretary Steve Brandt abrandtcl@gmail.com
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Dan Rice dozerrice1960@gmail.com
Liberty Gray libertygray.clpoc@gmail.com
Shannon Hannon shannon.clpoc@gmail.com
Matt Stifter matt.clpoc@gmail.com
Dan Tunacik dtunacik@comcast.net
CLPOC BOARD MEETINGS
Regular Monthly Board Meeting Fourth Saturday 9 a.m., Highland Haus
Workshop Board Meeting Second Wednesday 5:30 p.m., CLPOC Office Conference Room
• Our heritage: We value our history and its ideals of friendliness, mutual support, affordability, and shared responsibility for our natural environment.
• Participating in the activities we love: We value participating in activities we love with our friends and neighbors and supporting the diverse and changing interests of our members.
• Protecting property values: We value taking proactive steps to protect and enhance the investment members have made in their homes and in community amenities.
• Financial soundness and sustainability: We value a financial structure that enables us now and in the future to meet community standards for the quality of our properties, membership programs and services and safety.
• Shared governance: We value and depend on the leadership and participation of members in the governance activities of the community and on an informed membership.
• Volunteerism: We value the active volunteer community service of our members, both in Canadian Lakes and in the surrounding communities.
• Leading into the future: We value careful planning, openness to change, and taking proactive steps that will ensure our best future as a community.
Canadian Lakes is a premier recreational and residential community set in West Michigan’s scenic heartland. As a unified community of private property owners offering an unequaled quality of life, Canadian Lakes fulfills the diverse needs of all members in a natural setting for present and future generations to enjoy. This Core Vision is characterized by:
• The natural beauty of the area and its desirability as a place to live
• Outstanding recreational and social activities
• Financial soundness and sustainability
• Protection of property values through disciplined growth and the development and maintenance of a high quality infrastructure.
Have you seen the RG Express yet? She is beautiful! Ryan has made a tentative schedule that will be shared as soon as RG Express is ready for service, but you can expect to see the RG Express
GET SOCIAL WITH CANADIAN LAKES
canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org
Instagram: canadianlakes_mi
at Pierce Beach during the Summer Concert Series, on our golf courses during events, weekends during Nights of Lights, and more. We are very excited to offer Canadian Lakes a mobile food service at some of our great events!
Another beautiful addition to see is our new main office lobby sign, see photo to the left.
We are getting a new Castle awning and that awning will be branded with our first official Castle logo. The awning itself will be such a huge upgrade to the current one and will soon proudly display our Castle logo.
We are officially in high season! What does this mean? Golf courses are open and busy, the outdoor pool opens in two weeks, the trails have been groomed and enjoyed, and our beaches are ready for some action. It takes a lot of us here at the CLPOC to make this community ready for the summer and we are about there. I hope each of you get to enjoy the beauty and fun of Canadian Lakes in the summertime.
facebook.com/campcanadianlakes facebook.com/canadianlakes facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes facebook.com/royalgrille facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes
The Community Parade is always such a big hit and being involved in the parade is a great opportunity for community merchants to advertise their business and services. It is a unique, inexpensive opportunity to receive exposure for your business and show your support for our great community.
All that is asked of the merchants is to provide candy for the children along the parade route. You may also throw your own logoed swag to parade attendees. In years’ past attendance at the parade was overwhelming and we are anticipating this year’s parade will be no different. Local businesses can keep it simple by placing a logo on your vehicle, or you can get more attention by decorating your vehicle, bike, trailer, wagon, or float.
If you are interested in joining the parade and supporting your community, please contact Lindsay Halcomb by email lhalcomb@clpoc.org or at the
CLPOC Office, 231-972-7651. The parade will be held Saturday, July 6, starting around 1pm. Participants will receive further instructions the closer we get to the parade.
Spring has sprung and high season is upon us. Marsha and I had our boat put in on April 29, and in a down pour as usual, but we are very excited to be back on the lakes this year. We were unable to put our boat in last year due to some health issues I was experiencing. So, cross your fingers for us. We are looking forward to a great summer on the lakes.
High season in Canadian Lakes is special. I haven’t enjoyed summer this much since I was a child, being able to enjoy the lakes, all the golf, events, and concerts. All of this is enough to keep us all really busy, but then on top of all of that there is this little ‘ole 49-year-old organization here in Canadian Lakes called the Canadian Lakes Association (CLA). Yes, that’s correct, and old Harold is not losing his marbles. The Canadian Lakes Association has been providing our community with fun, entertaining, and educational events for nearly half a century.
FYI SAVE THIS DATE ~ on July 25, 2025, the CLA is planning a Blockbuster 50th Anniversary Party at the Castle! Currently we provide over 20 CLA Events a year. Most of them are “free” to CLA/CLPOC members in good standing. Recently on April 20, we provided a new event called “Singles Mingle,” where we had the Copy Katz Band entertaining us, food, and some dancing in a wonderful atmosphere for some of our Canadian Lakes singles to come together and meet new friends. We had a robust crowd of 65 members and it was very well received by all. Our CLA Board is constantly looking for ways to spice up the lives of our Canadian Lakes members.
Speaking of that, you will not want to miss this year’s CLA Summer Picnic on July 6. We have some exciting new wrinkles in store for you (not that any of us need more wrinkles). Be on the lookout for more details in your June Lite Lines. If you are asking yourself what are the Lite Lines, well that is a question I can answer. The Lite Lines is a newsletter that comes to you monthly if you are a Canadian Lakes Association member. The Lite Lines is full of useful information that keeps you informed of all the upcoming events
will receive a CLA Membership Card that gets you into all our CLA Events. You will also receive our annual CLA Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide, which has CLA members contact information, along with local businesses who support our community by advertising in our Directory. You will also have the opportunity to receive CLA Members Only door prizes at our events, participate in contests, and win a monthly CLA Membership drawing. When you need any goods or services I definitely encourage you to look in our Directory first and support a local business who chooses to support our community. The CLA provides all this valuable information, prize opportunities, and over 20 Events throughout the year, along with sponsoring 40 Sanctioned Clubs you can participate in, and all for just $30 a year for an entire household ... pretty incredible, right?! Don’t you think it’s time to ditch the FOMO and COME JOIN THE FUN by becoming a CLA member today. It’s easy to join. You can simply pick up a CLA membership form at the CLA information desk located just inside the CLPOC office, or you can go on our website at www. canadianlakesassociation.org, or you can email or text me (see my contact information below), and I will email you a form.
This is going to be another fantastic High Season in Canadian Lakes, so don’t miss out! I look forward to seeing you out on the water, golf course, or at one of our many CLA Events this summer.
Stay Healthy, Safe and Strong!
Harold Wolf CLA President Cell 269-209-9871 haroldwolf63@gmail.comFor all your REAL ESTATE NEEDS, Call Tom Garner Associate Broker 231-629-6006 tgarner.c21@gmail.com
TESTIMONIAL FROM A SATISFIED CLIENT
$244,900
Newly renovated home in the country. Brand new! 1 Acres.
$39,900
3 acre building site with well and septic. Paved Rd.
I just wanted to let you know how great it has been working with you! You’re a true professional in every sense of the word! I know it wasn’t easy with 4 sellers on the same property however you made it simple and easy. Thank you also for always keeping us updated with important info. I have been a real estate broker in Florida and had my own businesses (3) for many years but now retired for over ten years. Your handling of this transaction has been exemplary! — THANKS AGAIN, BETTY SOLD
$302,900
56 Acres of recreational FUN. 6 minutes from CL.
$369,900 Custom home on the Royal 3rd Tee. Barrier Free.
$1,375,000
Main Canadian Lake Waterfront home. One of a kind properties on this high demand lake system. Newly designed outdoor entertaining area with firepit to relax and enjoy. 100+ sandy beach frontage with seawall and docking system. Upper Guest Qtrs, 3 seasons room and a finished walk out. Call today for your private showing.
$294,900
Ranch style home with finished LL. Pool, Barn and 3 acres. N of Remus.
$140,000
4 lots on 90th Ave. Just south of Lakeside Motor Sports. Seller will negotiate!
$119,900 20 acres with woods, wetlands and tillable. 5 minutes from CL.
$439,900
Big John Brown Waterfront Chalet. Part of Horsehead Lake.
$44,900
149,900
Sunset shores best priced home. Split floor plan. CL Amenities.
$259,900
Classic Chalet in Canadian lakes. Across St from Lost Lake/St Ives.
PENDING
$409,900
Canadian Lakes- Little Muskegon River home.
$29,900
$599,900
120 Acres with farm house and barns. Just to the West of Stanwood.
$149,900
19.7 acres with park model home/addition. Fully furnished.
Best Price CL waterfront lot. Far West Lake system. Make a offer.
Lake Laura waterfront lot. Cleared and buildable.
$19,900
St Ives Golf Front lot.
Incredible setting and views.
The 2024 Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series is coming to the Canadian Lakes Reuther Music Pavilion beginning in June! With seven concert dates and seven bands, this season will offer a variety of musical performances featuring a few old favorites and a few new surprises. The Lakeside Summer Concert Series is primarily funded by a generous group of local businesses, including Lakeside Motor Sports, our title sponsor. Other Concert Sponsors include
Coldwell Banker, Lakes Realty, Century 21 White House Realty, Ice Mountain, Morton Township, Royal View, and Hayden Outdoors Real Estate. Series Sponsors include Sweeney Holbeck Edison Insurance Agency, Liberty Gray-Keller Williams Realty, Tullymore Golf Resort, Mercantile Bank, Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation, and Lakeside Pizza & Grinders. Your continued support of these businesses, along with your free-will donations at each concert makes this concert series possible!
SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH
The Full House Band is a six-piece band from the Lansing area that features five vocalists. They will play current hits as well as top hits from the 70s, 80’s and 90’s. They will be sponsored by Morton Township.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22ND
The Lakeshore Big Band is a 17-piece traditional big band performing classic
swing and big band tunes from the early days of jazz to current popular music. Put on your dancing shoes for this walk down memory lane, which is sponsored by Royal View.
SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH
Some Like It Yacht features Judy Harrison and her crew from Traverse City as they put a twist on the original yacht rock tribute concept. Some Like It Yacht has been described as catchy,
breezy, soulful, and just a little boozy. Props, choreography, and a few surprises will make this a unique show. This performance is sponsored by Lakeside Motor Sports.
SATURDAY, JULY 13TH
Derek Winter is back by popular demand with their new/popular country tunes and is sponsored by Hayden Outdoors Real Estate.
SATURDAY, JULY 27TH
Lighting Matches is an alternative-rock band based in Grand Rapids, known for their driving guitar riffs and harmonies reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. This show is sponsored by Ice Mountain.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH
With more than 45 years of musical experience, CEYX is Michigan’s #1 dance band sure to bring the crowd to its’ feet and fill the dance floor! This fabulous band is being sponsored by Century 21 White House Realty.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH
Soul Syndicate is a premier soul, R&B and funk band featuring a dedicated horn section and talented vocalists. Soul Syndicate masterfully combines the best, classic dance tunes into multi-song medleys to keep the audience dancing all evening. This crowd-pleasing band is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty.
Save these dates for the Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series! Weather cancellations will be posted on Facebook and Nextdoor. Remember to “like” our Facebook page, facebook.com/ canadianlakesreuthermusicpavilion. All concerts begin at 7 p.m., and as in past years, a food truck will be onsite. Drive your boat or buggy and bring your lawn chairs and coolers for many fun-filled evenings at the pavilion!
Enjoy live music at the concert series at the Reuther Music Pavilion. The Lakeside Motor Sports Summer Concert Series...that’s how you know it’s summer in Canadian Lakes!
CL Fishing Club Meetings are June 12 and July 10, 7:00 p.m. at Alpine Haus
Anyone with an interest in fishing or helping youth catch fish is welcome to attend.
For questions about the Fishing Club or about fishing in Canadian Lakes, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.com or 231-972-8663
Saturday, June 22
THE TOURNAMENT will be from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check-in time is 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. with a mandatory meeting at 7:00 a.m. The boat check-in location is White Pine Beach, on Maple Crossing Road North of Sunset Shores, and the director of the tournament 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 and fishing is only on the main chain of interconnected lakes. Ten percent of the entry fees go 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 20. After June 20, cancellation will lead to forfeiture of entry fees.
Fishing Club Bass Fun Nights for Adults and Youth
Wednesday, June 26 & July 24
FISHING IS FROM 6 to 9 p.m. Just show up before 6 p.m. to register and fish for three hours. At 9 p.m. we enjoy pizza, along with comparing our recorded bass from catch and release with artificial lures only. Bring your own refreshments. Awards are given for the longest fish and total number of bass 14” and over, with only one award per
At least one person on each team must be a member in good standing of Canadian Lakes or parent, sibling, child or grandchild of same. Entry forms are available at the CLPOC kiosk or CLA website. All boats must be CL registered and have a 2024 Canadian Lakes decal. Entry form and complete rules are available at the CLPOC office kiosk or on the CLA website. For additional information contact Dale Doepker, dtroutman97@ aol.com, 231.287.7504.
person. We meet at Pierce Beach and if you do not have a boat, come anyhow and someone will likely take you on theirs. Entry is $7.00 for Club members and $8.00 for others. The total award amount will be $3.00 times the number of paying participants. Youth 16 and under do not pay the entry fee but are eligible for the cash prizes.
THE CONTEST IS for Canadian Lakes members, children, grandchildren and house 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, so any youth can win a prize.
Anglers are to provide their own tackle and bait and may fish in any of the Canadian Lakes waters, from shore, dock or in a boat. All anglers or their parent/ guardian must register at the Main Pavilion west of the CLPOC Main Office between 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, or 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Saturday, where they will each be given a bag with gifts and instructions.
All fish must be caught between sunrise and 10:45 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. Participants are to bring in only their single largest bluegill, pumpkinseed, or sunfish. between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Saturday for weigh-in. The award presentation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Crappie, rock bass and perch are not eligible for the contest. All bass, pike 24” and over, and all muskies must be released live. We will also be filleting entered fish at a separate table for the demonstration. Fishing Club caps ($6 or $15) and tee shirts ($12) will be available for purchase.
The Mecosta County Optimist Club will once again provide a free picnic lunch, consisting of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please bring your own chairs and other refreshments if desired. There is no advanced entry form, but registration is required by the youth or adult on the afternoon before or morning of the event. There is no charge, and anglers 16 years and under do not need a fishing license.
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.
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.
19th Annual Bullhead Tournament, for Adults and Youth Friday, August 2 and Saturday August 3
FISHING BEGINS at 8:00 p.m. Friday August 2 and ends at 1:00 a.m. Saturday August 3, in any of the Canadian Lakes water bodies (Shore fishing is usually best). The entry fee is $10 per person, except youth 16 and under are free, but are eligible for cash prizes. The weigh-in will be 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 3 at the Pines Pavilion. Twenty percent of the total collected will be used to cover the cost of snacks and refreshments. Adult heaviest bullhead and most total weight of bullhead will each pay 30%. The youth heaviest and most total weight will each pay 10%. (One award per person, tie breaker is heaviest in the other category.)
All Canadian Lakes members, families and members’ house guests are welcome to participate. Fishermen can fish together but weigh-in is individual, so fish must be kept separate. Gear is restricted to MDNR fishing regulations: three rods and two hooks per rod. The minimum size is nine inches to qualify, so please release all smaller fish. Pack all fish on ice in a cooler for bringing to the weigh-in. This is a catch and keep tournament and all fish kept will be cleaned and cooked for the participants to enjoy. (All fishermen are to bring in their fish, 9” and over regardless of number!) Entries must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2. Mail or deliver names and money to Sue Glazier, 8339 West Royal, 231-679-1938. Checks should be payable to Sue Glazier. Bottled water, snack bags and cooked fish will be provided for participants. Please bring your own refreshments and other food to share if desired. Youth 16 and under are especially encouraged to participate, as this is the easiest way for them to catch fish and also see how easy they are to clean.
21st Annual Pike Tournament Saturday, August 24
More information will be published in the August/September Canadian Laker.
To help assure safe operations on the waters of Canadian Lakes, Lake Stewards (Canadian Lakes members) periodically patrol our lakes to observe non-compliance with CLPOC Rules and state boating laws. They may also assist boaters in distress and pick up litter which they observe. Both the Mecosta County Sheriff Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources officers patrol our lakes periodically to ensure that State boating and fishing laws are being followed. Last Summer, the Sheriff Patrol issued 10 citations and 120 warnings. The most frequent violation is not obeying the state 100-foot rule which requires vessels traveling above no wake speed to stay at least 100 feet from any dock, raft, swim area buoy, person in the water or an anchored or moored vessel.
For questions or to volunteer, contact Dale Doepker, dtroutman97@aol.com or 231.287.7504.
ocated north and a little east of Canadian Lakes, Stone House Vinyards sits on a sprawling, 80acre parcel near Evart, Michigan. Rows and rows of grapevines cling to sturdy, taught wires strung between metal posts. Vines reach for the sky, then branch horizontally twisting round and round the wires. After blooming in the spring, the vines produce bundles of grapes in several varieties. With every passing summer day, the grapes grow in size, gathering juice inside their skin. By mid-September or early October, the fruit will change color, add sugar, and will be picked at just the right time.
That’s when winemaker Blain Adams takes over. Making wine is a labor of love for Blain, and his folks, Greg and Kathy Adams who planted the grapes in 2018. “Besides farming, we were looking for a way to generate income,” Kathy said. “The property has been in Greg’s family for four generations. Blain will be the fifth.”
eight months in oak barrels and red wine for two years. The wine is then bottled, capped with a cork, and sold inside at their brand-new wine tasting room only a few yards away from the vineyard.
BOTTOM: Stone House
Blain squeezes the grapes to make juice, mixes the juice with yeast and a few other ingredients to get the fermentation just right. Through the magic of chemistry and time-honored traditions, the juice turns into wine. White wines are stored for six to
Since it opened last year, the Adams’ family has been pleased with the public’s reception. “People like coming to our place to relax and try our different wines,” Kathy said. “We have 11 varieties of wine to choose from, as well as wine slushies and hard cider. Our Marquette red wine has become a real favorite. Not that long ago we had someone say they liked it so much they would pay $100 a bottle.”
Kathy Adams – a realtor at Coldwell Banker, Canadian Lakes – likes to tell the story about visiting California wine country with husband Greg in 2017. They were inspired by the ambiance, the setting, and good wine. It was on that trip their dream of opening a vineyard on the farm was born. Diving headfirst into their project, they consulted with an architect. After settling on a plan to add onto an existing barn, they hired a builder.
Now complete, the wine tasting room is cozy and inviting. With its tall ceilings, wooden support beams, and airy vibe, the wine tasting room fits in with the
centennial farm atmosphere. A magnificent stone fireplace inside welcomes cross county skiers in the winter and folks who find comfort sitting next to a small blaze in the summer. An outdoor firepit, surrounded by Adirondack-style chairs, is a great place to chat with friends and enjoy a glass of Stone House’s finest. With farm fields, marshes, woodlots and abundant wildlife, the vineyard’s view takes in the best of Mecosta County.
The Adams family have plans to serve food. They’re waiting on safety equipment and eventually, permit approval from the state. Weddings are not an option but Kathy encourages small groups to plan a visit. “I have a lot of people tell me that it’s nice to visit a place where everybody knows your name. It sounds like the theme song from ‘Cheers’ but it’s true. High school classmates and long-lost friends reunite here. Happens all the time.”
Stone House gets its name from the centennial farm on site, where Greg and Kathy live. It’s an old, stone farmhouse that has been modernized and added onto. While keeping past traditions very much alive, the Adams’ love for the home, the acreage, the wine, and family is undeniable.
It’s a fun place to go, in a cool setting, next to all those grapes.
Author Rick Sigsby, from Coleman, is a connoisseur of Michigan-made wines. His book “Michigan’s Holy Water, the Great Lakes Wine Bible” covers the trends in Michigan’s ever-increasing wine making industry. “No two vineyards have the same tasting wine, even if they’re across the street from one another,” Sigsby said. “That’s part of the fun in going on a wine tour.”
Climate, soil types, sunlight and harvest schedule have a lot to do with what type of grapes can be grown in different parts of the state, Sigsby added. Vineyards close to Lake Michigan grow Riesling grapes, which is most often a sweet, late-harvest wine. Riesling from the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are some of the best in the world. Inland, grapes such as Marquette and Itasca have been gaining in popularity because of their cold hardiness, high quality fruit and disease resistance. “Marquette and Itasca are a hybrid grape,” Sigsby said. “Those varieties were perfected by the University of Minnesota and can tolerate winter temperatures of zero to five below.”
Kathy says last summer’s warm, relatively dry weather was ideal grape-
growing weather. Their vines are given a steady drip of water throughout the hot, summer months. Too much water, and the grapes lose their flavor. Too little and the quantity suffers. It’s all part of the skill and magic of winemaking.
Sigsby said grape vines’ roots burrow far underground in search of water and nutrients. It’s nature’s way of preserving the lifespan of the plant. Grape vines are notorious for their long lives. “In the Bordeaux region of France, some vines have been documented to be 200 years old,” Sigsby said. “Other grape varieties in Europe are more than a thousand years old.”
Adams’ family roots go just as deep. Four generations, going on five, six, seven. If that’s the case with the Adams’ grapes, I’d say their plan of having generational income is well on its way.
Stone House Vinyards is located at 7850 21 Mile Road in Evart. Phone number 231.250.3197. The hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday 1-8pm.
Chris Zimmerman is a resident of Canadian Lakes, an independent insurance agent and the author of six Michigan-based novels.
Peeking out between the towering pine trees, the early morning 5th of July sun knocks gently at the backdoor inviting me to share a cup of coffee as I tiptoe surreptitiously out of the kitchen, onto the shaded backyard deck to enjoy my own Maureen McGovern moment of The Morning After in my Sunset Shores sanctuary.
Swirling mini cyclones of hazelnut steam wafting from my Canadian Lakes coffee mug, mingling with the succulent scent of early dawn dew, momentarily satisfy my sunrise sweet tooth.
The nearby copious floral garden, with its varying shades of buttery yellows, plum purples, deep cherry reds, and bubblegum pinks, somehow aiding in my appetite abatement.
Even the picnic table is sitting idle, tongue-tied after all of the food, conversation, and laughter of yesterday’s celebratory crowd, and no longer balancing bowls of creamy potato salad, colorful Jell-O molds, or Aunt Peggy’s crunchy coleslaw.
Memories come to mind of friends and family exhausting themselves with old-fashioned festive fun, having enjoyed intense croquet tournaments, dunking, dipping, and diving in the lake, digging for buried treasure at the beach, and attempting to beat Uncle Mike at volleyball. And who could forget the never-ending and competitive games of euchre, dominoes, Candyland, and Yahtzee played by children, young and old alike?
The outdoor barbeque grill, now standing silently stalwart in anticipation of the next culinary opportunity, long since cooled from yesterday’s feast of barbecued chicken slathered with Grandma’s secret spicy sauce, sweet potato fries, grilled to a crispy crunch, as well as those must-have late night oozy-gooey s’mores.
All of that fun culminated in Grandpa’s annual fireworks at the beach wIth countless colors of a Picasso-Pollack palette in the sky popping with pleasure, where every whizz, whirl, and boom brought orchestrated oohs from the adults, ahs from the kids, and OOOs from the combined choruses.
Attempting to recover from last evening’s 4th of July festivities, the spruce and scotch pines stretch their limbs with each fluctuating soft breeze in silent meditation as I sit swaying lazily on the wooden glider sipping my morning coffee.
The softly creaking lumber keeps the cadence as the wind chime softly sings its morning melody attempting half-heartedly and unsuccessfully to awaken my slumbering neighbors and house guests, allowing me to exclusively revel in this early morning retreat, this revelation of the morning after.
Through the years I’ve learned that you can travel to diverse locations in many different ways. The important point is to escape from your day-to-day lifestyle and experience an adventure that you’ll enjoy and remember. With that definition in mind, I’m suggesting that you can even travel this summer by the book and with the book. Just let Joyce’s Choices offer you some memorable stationary trips abroad to Italy, England, or Scotland, as well as closer destinations of rural Virginia, the islands off the coast of Maine, and even Good Hart, Michigan. So instead of Calgon, let Joyce’s Choices take you away!
Famous in a Small Town by Viola Shipman
My husband and I have always loved exploring the quaint little towns that Michigan has to offer as well as uncovering the hidden gems within each location. But don’t get me wrong; we enjoy travelling distances, too. Between us we have journeyed through seventeen countries on three continents and lived abroad for three years. We’ve also driven to Maine, California, Florida, Texas, northeastern sections of Canada, and all parts in between and then some. But somehow, Michigan has held onto our hearts and our home. So, when I discovered that Famous in a Small Town
was an irresistible and nostalgic tale set in Good Hart, Michigan, I was hooked. And I think you will be, too.
The story spins around the lives of two characters, eighty-year-old Mary Jackson, the owner of the Very Cherry General Store who has lived her entire life in Good Hart, and the new arrival, forty-year-old vacationing teacher, Becky Thatcher. How can you not love a story which revolves around a prologue set in 1958 when Mary is just fifteen years-old and she becomes a legend in her town when she wins the 35th Annual Cherry Pit Spitting Contest? This brave teenager breaks the Guinness Book of World Records by spitting her stone ninetythree feet six-and-a-half inches. How ridiculously cool is that? Not only is Mary the first female to enter the contest but her record also still stands as the rest of the novel takes place in 2023 as the town celebrates the 100th anniversary of the cherry contest.
The Very Cherry General Store has been in Mary’s family for generations and it is not only the heart of the community, but also the love of her life. She meticulously runs this post officebakery-sandwich shop-grocery store business with precision, punctuality, and passion. Becky arrives in town on leave from teaching for the summer and with the recent decision to break up with her boyfriend of far too many years. She accepts Mary’s offer of a place to stay in exchange for working at the store as the summer unfolds, and that’s when the author works the magic. There are plenty of calamities, contests, and a cast of quirky characters to keep the reader enthralled. This is a delightful tale filled with Michigan’s lore, charm, and nostalgic childhood memories wrapped up in mystery and mystique. I strongly suspect that now that I’ve discovered Viola Shipman, I shall shortly be enjoying more books by this fabulous author.
Sometimes we all seem to need a little dose of magic in our lives, and Rebecca Serle’s novel, One Italian Summer, seems to provide just that and more. This
charming and mystical saccharine fantasy also sprinkles the novel with themes of reconciliation, coping with a loss, and falling in love. Traveling this emotional rollercoaster of a plot while spanning two continents would certainly make for a sufficiently compelling story, but Serle actually manages to center the story round another theme: the incredible bond between parent and child.
On page one of One Italian Summer this amazing author reaches out and grabs the reader’s heart and holds it tenderly in her hands for the next two hundred and forty-five pages. In the first sentence it’s revealed that the beloved, talented, and much heralded matriarch, Carol Silver, has passed away leaving her thirty-year-old daughter, Katy, stumbling to find her way and herself. Neither Katy’s husband, Eric, nor her father is able to console her grief due to Carol being such an extraordinary woman. Not only was she a loving wife and mother, Katy considered Carol her best friend and the woman with all of the solutions to life’s many problems.
Katy questions her fairytale like marriage relationship with Eric and suddenly sees the faults and cracks that she’d been masking. They’d been weathering the good times for eight years, but they were now having trouble with the storms. After stumbling upon the envelope containing tickets and the detailed itinerary for the long-planned mother-daughter summer trip to Positano, Italy, Katy decides to make the trip alone as an homage to Carol. But very quickly the magic happens and mysteriously Katy stumbles upon her mother as she was as a young woman living in Italy and she befriends her. Throughout her trip Katy learns more about her mother, the town, true love, and herself than she ever expected to experience. Just as Katy is transported to the majestic coastal Italian town, the reader is brought along for the charm,
romance, and beauty of this village and Katy’s story. A true Italian summer escape novel. Eccellante!
Hatchet Island by Paul Doiron Hatchet Island is one of those mysteries which grabs the reader from the get-go and holds on tightly. The tension builds, clues unravel, and bodies drop. Paul Doiron has mastered his craft and has the writing awards to prove it. He paints pictures of his magnificent Maine settings in his readers’ minds as he weaves his engaging tale, all the while threading it with well-researched details of interest. How this bestselling thriller-mystery author escaped me for the past fourteen years will always be a mystery to me.
Maine game warden investigator Mike Bowditch comes to the aid of his former colleague and girlfriend, Stacy Stevens, an island environmentalist and project manager who has concerns about her missing supervisor. Stevens is at the research station to observe, collect data, and assist in preserving the wildlife, particularly the puffin penguins. When Bowditch arrives, the sanctuary is in chaos as the lives of the endangered seabirds, as well as the staff are threatened. It appears trespassers have come ashore and mysterious boatmen have harassed the scientists. After Bowditch and Stevens kayak to an adjacent island to further investigate a lead, gunshots are heard and upon returning to camp, they discover the bodies of two brutally slain scientists. Along with the still missing supervisor, another assistant has now also gone missing. Between the angry lobster fishermen, adjacent residents, possible crooked police officers, and the missing environmentalists, the list of suspects keeps growing. Of course, so does the body count, the tension, and naturally, so does your need to finish this book.
Although Hatchet Island is the thirteenth of Paul Doiron’s Mike
Bowditch mystery series, it is very much a stand-alone novel to be enjoyed. I should know. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m trying to decide which of his novels to read next. Perhaps we can compare notes?
A dear friend of mine recommended that I read one of Dee MacDonald’s escape reads last fall and I shall be forever grateful. As soon as I began reading The Runaway Wife, I knew that
I’d have difficulty putting it down. It was heartening, enlightening, and laugh-out-loudfunny at times; so much so that I frequently stopped to share parts of this book with my husband. This author has a way with words and a way of grabbing your heart as she leads you down unexpected and adventuresome journeys with each page.
Connie McColl has been married for over forty years to her husband, Roger. They’ve had four children, and at age sixty-six, she doesn’t know who the woman in the mirror is anymore. She has spent her marriage doing things for her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her community and isn’t sure if she even exists as an individual. She feels unappreciated, unloved and invisible. One day while mashing potatoes at the sink she realizes that she’s not getting any younger and she’s also not sure if anyone would miss her if she suddenly disappeared for a while. After leaving vague emails to her family, Connie quietly packs up her little old car and departs shortly after her retired husband leaves for one of his many golf tournaments. She embarks on a journey to find herself, discover the world outside her home, to visit old friends, and to make new memories.
As one leg of Connie’s journey leads to the next, hang on because readers are carried along for the ride. MacDonald has crafted a well-written and welldeveloped plot which keeps you turning the pages as Connie turns each corner. Sometimes you laugh and sometimes you cry, but you always keep cheering on Connie as she rediscovers herself. She also uncovers the secrets of her past and explores the possibilities of her future. I will definitely be reading more books by Dee MacDonald, especially since I recently discovered that she’s also penned several cozy mysteries.
While I generally enjoy the eclectic selection of books suggested by various members of my fluctuating dozen or so book club members, I still can’t get over how many of their fabulous choices I might have passed over if not for their recommendations. Their selections have often caused me to step out of my genre box and I’m hoping that some of my reading suggestions have done the same for you. Jason Reynolds’s
contemporary coming-of-age fiction novel, As Brave as You, is one of these endorsed gems by my book club worth investigating.
This award-winning book has everything from an eccentric elevenyear-old boy possessing an endless list of quirky questions about life, to his fourteen-year-old big brother tripping over his own missteps and his adolescent hormones as he discovers girls. Of course there’s also the boys’ always-right grandmother with her unconventional list of chores and demands and let’s not forget their crazyas-a-fox grandfather with his bizarre behavior and secrets. Combine those four characters with a diverse gaggle of rather off-the-wall neighbors and you have a plot with non-stop action and twists which just won’t untangle.
It is summertime and Genie and big brother Ernie are plucked from Brooklyn by their parents and deposited on their grandparents’ doorstep in rural Virginia to spend a month they’ll never forget. As soon as they arrive and their parents
depart for Jamaica, the boys sense that things are a little different on the farm and they’re about to learn the why, how, who, and what about it all. From strained family relations to dark pasts to buried secrets and hidden fears, it seems everyone has a need to learn, grow, and rethink what they assumed they knew. And author Jason Reynolds asks the ultimate question of his characters and his readers: Is being brave doing something or knowing when not to do it? Hint: Reading As Brave as You can help you with your answer.
As your official Summer Book Tour Guide, I hope these novels help you on your reading journey. Bon voyage and good read!
We are a lavender farm in Caledonia, Michigan, with store and bakery that people can visit. Open year round, but through harvest which begins mid June.
LAVENDER SEASON
June 11 through July 6. Get your tickets and car pass at our website.
Meet Xander the SUPER-SOFT, LAVENDER STUFFED BUNNY, (Buy one and we give one to a child in foster care!)
11TH ANNUAL 11TH ANNUAL SUMMER FEST SUMMER FEST
Saturday, July 6
Saturday, July l 6
5K Fun Run/Walk
8:30 a m race starts in the parking lot East of the Royal Grille & Tennis Courts (9775 East Clubhouse Drive)
22nd Annual Young Angler’s Contest
All anglers or their parent/guardian must register at the Main Pavilion west of the CLPOC Main Office between 5:00 to 7:00 p m on Friday, July 5, or 7:30 to 9:00 a m Saturday Firecracker Open
@ The Royal Golf Course Community Parade
Starts @ 1:00 p m beginning at the dog park on West Royal & continues on West Royal until the CLPOC Main Office, &All fish must be caught between sunrise and 10:45 a m Saturday, (honor system) CLA Summer Picnic
Picnic starts @ 5 p m at the Highland Haus with a live band, bounce house, hot dogs, ice cream, & more CLPOC Fireworks
Begin around dusk and blankets to the Highland Haus for th ovided by DJ Robert McK nsite k, bring our lawn chairs a he best viewin , music pro Kin e , food vendor on
WE PLAN TO HAVE the 5K Run/Walk around Lake Laura on Saturday, July 6 in the parking lot that is east of the Royal Grille and tennis courts (9775 East Clubhouse Drive). The race will start at 8:30 a.m.
Four trophies will be awarded: to the first adult male and adult female finisher in the 5K run, and to the first youth (12 years and younger) male & female finishers in the 5K run. This is a “fun run” meaning that 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. If you have any questions, contact Lee Wolken at 586.634.9941 or at leewolken@yahoo.com.
Whenever you picture various writers at work at their craft, what do you imagine?
DO YOU ENVISION a journalist like Bob Woodward sitting at a desk in a deserted newsroom under flickering fluorescent lighting while punching away at an old Underwood typewriter?
MAYBE YOU IMAGINE an author holed up in a secluded cabin in the woods with piles of crumpled up computer paper scattered on the floor similar to the way that novelists are always depicted in those Hallmark mystery movies.
PERHAPS YOU VISUALIZE an eccentrically garbed and engrossed poet perched precariously on a park bench while silently scribbling sonnets in a journal as squirrels scamper and scurry about.
All of this seems picturesque and may even sound conducive to writing, but it also appears rather isolated, if not a tad lonely, wouldn’t you agree? Granted, writing can take some intense concentration and solitude, but writers shouldn’t live in a bubble. If writing is a way to connect with the rest of the world, wouldn’t you think that writers should at least occasionally meet, greet, and share a seat together with other writers, too?
Creativity may very well need its me-time, but it also needs its we-time. Writer’s Quest is here to provide you with some of that essential, cooperative, and inspiring we-time. Our group is composed of a diverse assortment of individuals with a wide variety of occupations, interests, hobbies, and life experiences which have at least two common threads: We like to write and we like to read what others have written. If this description sounds a bit like you, you may wish to take the journey to Writer’s Quest.
Our mission statement is as follows: “We meet to share ideas, information, and our writing in a relaxed, casual, friendly environment in order to encourage each other, assist with suggestions, and to continue to spark creativity.” In other words, we meet, we talk, we write, we have fun, and we share, but not necessarily in that order.
Writer’s Quest has been active in Canadian Lakes for over twenty years and has had the pleasure of writers with varying degrees of experience within their membership. Some of our members have been new to writing, some dabble, some cautiously experiment, and some have been published. We’ve shared poetry, short stories, articles, novels, memoires, chronicles, and oh yes, plenty of encouragement. Some members have joined us with a goal in mind, some came for assistance, and others merged into our group just for the fun of sharing time with individuals who understand and embrace the need to write.
Of course, there’s always an opportunity to share any writing that you’re working on at home. We’re very interested in what you’re writing about and we’re here to offer advice, inspiration, and support as needed. Our monthly meetings also usually consist of sharing information about upcoming writing workshops, writing contests, or news of any visiting authors speaking in the area. And writers should be writing, so there’s usually a fun 15-minute warm-up writing exercise which is shared voluntarily and gets the writing juices flowing. For those of you looking for assistance in filling that blank laptop screen or the empty pages at home, we also offer writing prompts to take with you as you leave the meeting.
As a group we’re happy to be able to offer creative opportunities beyond our meetings to enrich our members’ writing lives. Writer’s Quest members have gone on field trips to hear published writers speak and we’ve also participated in various open mic opportunities where our writing is shared with diverse audiences. Our members have also been thrilled to collectively submit poetry for publication consideration to each bi-monthly issue of The Canadian Laker, as the space provides.
So why not begin your writing journey and join Writer’s Quest? We meet at the Alpine Haus on the second Wednesday of every month from 3:00-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Joyce Wilcox, Writer’s Quest facilitator, at 734223-7841 or at joycebwilcox@gmail.com.
Roger Stobert
Mobile Watch Coordinator
231-288-0148
spankky@charter.net
YOUR MOBILE WATCH TEAM wants to ensure that all Canadian Lakes residents take advantage of a valuable, no cost program being offered by Morton Township Fire and Rescue. This program is called Community Connect. It provides a secure, online site for residents to enter important information about your household that could help first responders during an emergency situation, such as a fire or a health emergency.
The kinds of information that are collected for the program are:
• Address and detailed directions to the residence.
• Names and contact information of the residents.
• Number and names of residents, including children.
• Descriptions of any functional needs for residents, such as limited mobility, sight or hearing limitations, age related issues, etc.
• Presence of any pets or animals.
• Physical details of the residence, such as:
– Single story or two story.
– Location and number of bedrooms.
– Type of heating system.
– Existence of hazardous materials.
– Types of utilities used and locations of shutoffs.
• The application also includes a request for a new smoke alarm, if needed.
The process for completing the application is very simple. First, log into the Emergency Services page on the Morton Township website at mortontownship.org/emergency-services. The Community Connect section is the first item that comes up on the Emergency Services page. Within that section are two highlighted links to a Community Connect page that has two selection buttons, one for residents and one for businesses. Selecting one of these buttons will take you to the data entry area, which is arranged by categories, allowing simple entry of your information. Once the application is completed, access to your Community Connect information is password protected. In fact, no one, including Morton Township Emergency Services has access to this information — unless an emergency has been declared for the address.
Your Mobile Watch encourages all Canadian Lakes residents, whether yearround, or seasonal, to take advantage of this important safety program.
“John was extremely helpful, and informative.”
— Bruce and Laurel, Canadian Lakes
“John answered all of our questions and the install crew was very professional.”
— Bill, Stanwood
“We had 5 quotes. John’s was the lowest and he o ered the best quality window along with the guarantee. He also lives in the area.”
— Robin, Canadian Lakes
In 2012 Governer Snyder signed into effect the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act. This act made the sale, use, and possession of “consumer fireworks” legal. While some Michigan counties, cities, villages, or townships chose to enact their own fireworks ordinance, we here in Mecosta County have adopted the State laws. What does this mean for us here in Canadian Lakes?
• It means that it is legal to use fireworks on your private property (on authorized days), it is NOT legal to use fireworks on any common property including roadways, greenbelts and beaches without written permission from the General Manager.
• Fireworks cannot be used before 11 a.m. or after 11:45 p.m. except on December 31 (1:00 a.m.).
Summer days are warm and bright with the scent of BBQ and bonfires wafting through the air, and the laughter of children rolling across the lake. With the fourth of July just around the corner let’s take a minute to talk about the fireworks laws here in Michigan and guests to our wonderful community.
• Fireworks are allowed on the following days: – December 31st until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st – The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial day – June 29th to July 4th – July 5th only if it falls on a Friday or Saturday – The Saturday and Sunday right before Labor day.
Just a quick reminder that “The CLPOC Member is responsible for the conduct of a family member and/or invited guest(s). This includes, but is not limited to a tenant, renter, lessee and any other short-term or long-term user of private property included within the membership of the CLPOC. The CLPOC member is, at times, liable to the CLPOC for any and all damage to CLPOC property caused by these individuals.”
Make sure to stop in the office and pick up guest passes for all your guests and educate them as to the rules of our wonderful community. We all wish you a Safe and Happy Summer season!
The warm weather here in Michigan often times brings with it severe storms. Immediately following the storms we ask that members and their guests refrain from unnecessary travel throught the community as we evaluate the status of the roads, downed trees, and power outages. Status updates on road and building closures will be sent out via email and Facebook. If you lose power please contact your respective power company to report the outage and check for restoral updates. If you come across trees down across Canadian Lakes roadways please make note of the location giving the closest cross street or address and contact safety at 231-6292717. You may leave a voicemail if we are unable to answer. We will work as quickly and as safely as possible to clear the roads; this often means piling the debris on the side and coming back for it later. If you come across a tree down with yellow caution tape or green survey tape on it, we have it on our list! Please do not cross or touch any downed power lines as you will not be able to tell if they are live.
As always, we on the safety team want to thank the wonderful volunteers of Mobile Watch, without your dedication our job would be much more difficult. Your safety in the community is our top priority!
Roger Stobert
Volunteer Yard Waste Coordinator
231-288-0148
spankky@charter.net
To gain access you will need a current CLPOC ID, vehicle sticker, or guest pass. Contractors hired who confirm their identity may use the site by presenting the members ID card, guest pass, or
other information that the contractor is performing landscaping duties for a CLPOC member, including the contractor’s name, member name, and member lot number.
Items allowed to be brought to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste include tree and shrub branches and limbs less than 4” 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, cores, etc., campfire ashes, and yard waste containers of any kind are NOT allowed to be left at the site.
Canadian Lakes Yard Waste is OPEN every Wednesday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm,
April through November. Access is not permitted at other times
Canadian Lakes Yard Waste is located on the south side of Pierce Road between 110th Ave. and Tullymore Drive.
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.
Your friendly Yard Waste Attendant will answer any question you may have, or you may contact Roger Stobert, Yard Waste Coordinator, 231-288-0148 or spankky@charter.net.
hot tub and more. They can be
at any time. Perfect for Winter garages.
RaceDeck garage floors are tough Supports vehicle rolling loads of over 80,000 pounds. Resistant to most household chemicals, petroleum products and is 100% waterproof. Will not stain, peel or chip. Easy-to-clean Helps prevent odor causing mold and mildew found in garage environments.
Saves expensive parts when dropped on the floor. Backed by a 20-year manufacture’s warranty.
Board of Directors Meeting March 23, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.
Attendee’s Role Present Absent Zoom (Z) In Person (IP)
Paul Szymkowicz President IP
Steve Wilcox Vice President Z
James French Treasurer Z
Steve Brandt Secretary X
Dan Rice Director Z
Matt Stifter Director Z
Shannon Hannon Director Z
Dan Tunacik Director Z
Linda Ricketts Director Resigned
Others in attendance – Greg Babbitt - General Manager, Kim Dowell – Comptroller, and Kristin Wilcox, Safety/IT Director.
1. Call to Order – Meeting called to order by President Szymkowicz @ 9:00 AM and Pledge conducted.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Pledge conducted
3. Agenda Approval – Amended Item 12B by Motion by Treasurer French, Support by Vice President Wilcox Unanimously approved. Agenda motion to approve by Director Rice, Support Director Hannon. Approved unanimously
4. Austin and Morton Township Reports – None
5. Presidents Report – President Szymkowicz provided an update of community activities.
6. Financial Report – Controller Dowell discussed information from the packet
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS
ACC Committee– Secretary Brandt provided update in writing, read by Vice President Wilcox, Update, we met on Wednesday, we approved the new home we tabled last month, approved 2 new homes and garages, tabled 1
home and 1 garage pending further information. Reviewed the denial of an outbuilding approval. Update from the STR subcommittee including making progress on definitions, talking to numerous impacted members throughout the community, talked with township supervisor and began to scope out a CLPOC Good Neighbor Policy for STR owners and managers. Finally, we discussed some ongoing repeat deed restriction offenders like the property on Belle Isle renting antique trailers in their front yard and ignoring multiple requests to comply with deed restrictions.
Yes, that is correct, I’m not on Nextdoor, but someone copied it and sent it to me. An upset member basically made the comment that the ACC rules and guidelines are not worth the paper they are written on and should be ignored. Where I respect their right to say their opinion, I would caution members to not take that advice. Just more internet disinformation. It is much easier to follow the outlined procedures than receive a cease and desist order. Asking for forgiveness instead of permission
does not seem to work with this version of the committee.
CLA – President Szymkowicz provided information on upcoming activities. Executive Committee – President Szymkowicz provided an update on items from the meeting Finance Committee – Treasurer French provided an update on the fiscal health of the community Strategic Planning Committee – Vice President Wilcox provided an update on the PPS project and a preview of two items on todays agenda 11a and 12a.
8. GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT
a. Amenity Usage Report – in packet
b. Departmental Report – In packet
c. Reserve & Capital Project Update
– Pines Irrigation, Food Trailer, Skid Steer, Sand Sifter, Royal Drainage, and Cabanas.
d. General Manager Committee Update – Committees will reconvene next month
e. Miscellaneous Items – Numerous Items were provided
9. Consent Calendar –
a. Approval of the Notes of the
February 14, 2024 Workshop Meeting and Minutes of the February 24, 2024 Board Meeting
b. Receive and File the February 2024 Check Disbursements
Motion by Vice President Wilcox, Support by Treasurer French, approved unanimously 10. Member Comments on action or discussion items – none
11. Items for Board Action
11A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CLPOC, BYLAW, ARTICLE III (b) AS STATED. Motion by Vice President Wilcox, Support by Treasurer French, approved unanimously 11B MOTIN TO ADOPT THE OPERATING LINE ITEM BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 BEGINNING APRIL1. 2024 THRU March 31 2025 in the amount of $6,639,930.00
INCLUDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $672,000.00 TO THE REPLACEMENT RESERVE FUND AND IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND TO APPROVE REPLACEMENT RESERVE EXPENDITURES TOTALING $926,443.00. Motion by Treasurer French, Support by Director Stifter, approved unanimously
12. Items for board discussion –
12A – AN ITEM TO DISCUSS THE CANADIAN LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS CORPORATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2024 AND BEYOND – No discussion
13. Member Comments – Glenn Spence IT 001/002 Discussed a group that has been formed to fight the Proposed RV park
14. Director Comments – Comments
from President Szymkowicz, Vice President Wilcox, Treasurer French, Director Hannon, Director Stifter, and Director Rice
15. Member Communications –Provide an update on snowplowing and road grading as we move in to the spring. Ask member patience as we begin to see many members coming to the office to pay their fees.
16. Moved to executive session – None
17. Adjourn – Motion by Director Rice, Support by Treasurer French, unanimously approved
Respectively submitted by Steve Brandt, Board Secretary. (Minutes are printed as submitted.)
Board of Directors Meeting Meeting April 27, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.
Attendee’s Role Present Absent Zoom (Z) In Person (IP)
Paul Szymkowicz (PS President IP
Steve Wilcox (SW) Vice President IP
James French (JF) Treasurer Z
Steve Brandt (SB) Secretary Z
Dan Rice (DR) Director IP
Matt Stifter (MS) Director Z
Liberty Gray. (LR) Director IP
Shannon Hannon (SH) Director Z
Dan Tunacik (DT) Director IP
Others in attendance – Greg Babbitt (GB) - General Manager, Lindsay Halcomb (LH), and Kim Dowell (KD) – Comptroller.
AGENDA TOPIC’S AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Meeting called to order by President Szymkowicz (PS) @ 9:15 AM and Pledge conducted. Delayed due to technical difficuties
2. Agenda Approval – SW / DR 9-0
3. Austin and Morton Township Reports – No reports from either Township, condolences to Sandy Mayo, as her husband passed away
4. Presidents Report – PS, Welcome aboard to Liberty, high season beginning, water levels at or near capacity, thank you to our staff for
their continued efforts
5. Financial Report – KD, reviewed the financial results and position and compared them to prior periods.
Year end March 31st Draft financial presented, no year-end adjustments processed to date.
ACC Committee – SB
Before we get started, I want to share some accomplishments of a few of our committee members:
1. First, Jennifer Polcyn has been appointed to the Board of Michigan Short-Term Rental Association
(MiSTRA), an advocate for responsible short term rental owners, managers and renters, to help the industry succeed now and into the future.
2. Next, Glenn Spence for being named President of Morton Township Residents for Responsible Development (MTRFRD). Please check out their website for information and to possibly make a donation before you attend the Morton Township public hearing on Wednesday, May 15th. Be part of the process instead of leaving it up to someone else.
3. Last, but not least, Liberty Gray has been named to the CLPOC board in
addition to her current duties of the ACC and the STR sub-committee
We did meet on the 11th of April. There was no new construction or additions to talk about.
We reviewed the most current version of our tracker list. We also discussed some unique ways members are trying to get around the ACC and deed restrictions. I want to thank the members that send me “head’s up” emails when they notice lots are being cleared so we can add them to our tracker list looking forward to building submissions.
Finally, we discussed an article regarding short term rentals provided to us by a member at the last workshop. After review, it was noted the we are not a municipality so we could not take the action referenced in the article. Although the article did mention deed restrictions, it also said deed restrictions were not a factor in the planning commission’s decision to deny the special use permit
as that would need to be argued in civil court. Arguing a case like this in civil court would be very expensive and when the board tried to pass a fund a couple of years ago to enforce deed restrictions, the membership answered with a resounding “NO.” Comments were made such as “why should I fund something that does not impact me” and “why should we fund for neighbor to sue neighbor.” We don’t think our goal is to eliminate short term rentals in CL at this point. It is to educate and to put the structure in place to hopefully mitigate the current issues people are having.
Met Wednesday. Approved 2 new builds, tabled 1. Reviewed outbuilding policy as well as status of short term rental subcommittee. Listen to a member’s issues and tried to send her to the appropriate party as the ACC is declining to get involved with the placement on electrical meters on a new home.
CLA – SB First of all, I want to thank the CLA for welcoming me as their liaison to the CLPOC. Board. I have always been a
big supporter of the CLA and everything they do for our community.
Although the weather did not cooperate, and some activities needed to be moved inside, the easter egg hunt was another CLA great success. Happy to report no one threw up on the easter bunny.
• No voices of freedom concert this year
• Kite day at the airport: May 11th, great time to see multiple generations have fun together.
• Shopping spree: June 1 through July 31, prizes include:
– Dinner for 2 at Antlers, golf for 2 at the Royal, and an overnight stay at The Woods
– Free 2024 boat storage from Lakeside Motor Sports
– Free 2024 boat storage at EMS
• Summer picnic: Saturday, July 6th, same day as the fireworks, new additions to the picnic this year are:
– Bounce House
– Cotton Candy and Snow cones
• CLA is looking for someone to lead the pick-up artists
• April was Pat Krepple’s last meeting and the CLA board as well as the membership would like to thank her for her service.
• This is the 49th year for the CLA, which makes next year a BIG DEAL. The 50th ANNIVERSARY, So look for some special events coming.
• CLA is always looking for volunteers, even if you do not want to serve on the board there are plenty of opportunities to “Come Join the Fun.”
• CLA membership is at 817 as of 4/1. Our goal is to get to 1,000. Please help us get there, it is the best 30 dollars you can spend.
Executive Committee – PS, Rec’d operational updates, updates from all committees, operating and legal updates, RV park including Open Valley Park issue. Key service future.
Finance Committee - JF, Met Thursday, reviewed financial results and forecast(s) in detail as well as at the department level. Audit status. Reviewed reserve and capital items. Small claims update as well as amenity usage. Discussed compliance and status regarding The Marketable Title Act. Status of the pines irrigation project, security systems and staffing levels. Approved funding for Pines Pro Shop relocation and HVAC Royal Grille kitchen project.
Strategic Planning Committee – SW, Met Tuesday, Approved CLPOC Strategic Plan, Pine Pro Shop relocation project and HVAC Royal Grille kitchen project.
7. GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT –
GB reported
Amenity Usage Report – Included in the board package
Departmental Report – Included in the board package, presentations by: Ryan Rasmussen, preparing for high season, food trailer, goals, reduced subsidies
Shayna Hancock, seasonal staffing, upcoming events, beverage cart Reserve & Capital Project Update –Beach sand sifter, cabana (small pavilions), Skid Steer, #2 drainage, Pines irrigation
system all in various stages of execution and/or completion.
General Manager Committee Reports – Lake committee meets 4th Thursday, Compliance discussed deed restriction issues.
Miscellaneous Items. Staff getting ready for the high season, working on road improvements after winter, docks and ramps are in at the boat launches, reminder for the need to utilize vehicle stickers, Memorial Day garage sale, fireworks Saturday, July 6th, same day as the CLA summer picnic.
8. Consent Calendar – Motion made to approve the notes of March 13, 2024 Workshop Meeting & Minutes of the March 23, 2024 Board Meeting as well as receive and file January 2024 check disbursements. SB/SW 9-0
9. Member Comments on action or discussion items – No comments from the audience
10. Items for Board Action –a. 2024 Strategic Plan and Beyond, SW/ DR 9-0
b. Pines Pro Shop Relocation, SW/DR, 9-0
c. HVAC Royal Grille Kitchen Project, SH/SB, 9-0
11. Items for board discussion –a. Lake Manager 3 Year Contract –Suspended the rules SW / SB & SH 9-0; Motion to approve as submitted SW/ DR 9-0 (comment made contract does not contain an increase)
12. Member Comments – No Comments from audience
13. Director Comments – Welcome to LG, thank you DR for extending his term a year. SH, boating safety.
14. Member communications –Boater safety, Township Planning Commission Public Hearing, Wednesday, March 15, 2024, Elementary School, 5:30pm.
15. Moved to executive session – There was an executive session
16. Adjournment – SW/DR 8-0, 11:10am
Respectively submitted by Steve Brandt, Board Secretary. (Minutes are printed as submitted.)
Pasquali Law Offices, PLLC, is Mid-Michigan’s source for all your planning needs. Attorney Mark Pasquali and his staff have the experience and specialization to guide you through the unique issues affecting you and your family.
Powers
JUNE 1
Tim McGraw 2
JUNE 1-2
Broadway GR Presents Wicked 5
JUNE 7
SHINEDOWN 6
JUNE 11
Styx & Foreigner Renegades & Juke Box Heros Tour 2
JUNE 12
Ferris Community Band 7
JUNE 14
Nate Bargatze 2
JUNE 15
1964 The Tribute 5
JUNE 16
Donny Osmond 5
JUNE 18
Stevie Nicks Live in Concert 2
JUNE 20-21
Leanne Morgan 5
JUNE 23
Motley Crue 6
JUNE 27
Luke Bryan 2
JUNE 29
Quilt Show 7
JUNE 29
CLA Summer Art & Craft Show 7
JULY 5
Free Fireworks Show 6
JULY 6
MIRANDA LAMBERT 6
JULY 6
CLA Summer Picnic 7
JULY 9-14
Broadway GR Presents MJ The Musical 5
JULY 20
ROCK N RUM 6
JULY 24
Broadway GR Presents MJ The Musical 5
JULY 26 THE OFFSPRING 6
INFORMATION IS FROM THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
1. Ferris State University: www.ferris.edu/arts
2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids: vanandelarena.com
3. Central Michigan University: cmich.edu/Calendar
4. Big Rapids area: cityofbr.org, Community Calendar; 231-796+7640
5. DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids: devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500
AUGUST 1
Jordan Davis 2
AUGUST 6-7
Phish 2
AUGUST 7
CLA Ice Cream Social 7
AUGUST 9
LYNYRD SKYNYRD & ZZ TOP 6
AUGUST 11
Justin Willman 5
AUGUST 16
Cage the Elephant 2
AUGUST 16
JASON ALDEAN: HIGHWAY DESPERADO TOUR 2024 6
AUGUST 21
Heart 2
AUGUST 24
KEITH URBAN 6
AUGUST 31
Martin Lawerence 2
6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant: soaringeaglecasino.com; 888-732-4537
7. Canadian Lakes Association: canadianlakesassociation.org
8. Art Works, Big Rapids: www.artworksingbigrapids.org
Looking for something to do? Check out the social opportunities happening in Canadian Lakes below, based on the day of the week!
EXERCISE/DANCE CLASS
Monday
MELODY MAKERS (LADIES)
2:30 pm-4:30 pm April-July/September-December
Highland Haus Millie Gillies: 231-796-2460 Cell: 231-598-0872 milliegillies91@gmail.com
DOTTED CUBES (BUNCO)
12:30-2:30-Second Monday Alpine Haus
Sandy Politowicz, 10-434-9672
CANADIAN LAKES MEN’S CHORUS
3:30-5 pm • April-December Highland Haus 231-359-1114
EUCHRE CLUB
6:30 pm
Alpine Haus 231-972-7920
CAMERA CLUB
6:30 pm • Every other Monday
Highland Haus 916-258-5619
MEN'S 18-HOLE GOLF LEAGUE
8 am • May-September The Royal Golf Course 989-513-9561
SILVER SPOKES
9 a.m. • April - October
David Skaja: 847-367-0534 davidskaja@gmail.com
MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE
9 am to 10 am
Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays
Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com
Tuesday
ASPIRING ARTISTS
1pm - 5pm
Highland Haus Cora Foley Tealpaca@icloud.com
POOL CUE LEAGUE
1 pm • October-December/January-March Member homes 231-972-7327
2-3 pm
Alpine Haus 231-972-0029
DROP-IN MIXED TENNIS
9-11 am • Seasonal Alpine Haus Courts 231-408-8801
MEN’S TUESDAY 9-HOLE LEAGUE
8 am • May-September The Highlands or The Pines 248-231-2990 or timhannon@comcast.net
WOMEN'S 18-HOLE GOLF LEAGUE
8:30 am The Royal Golf Course 231-250-1257
Wednesday
QUILT CLUB
10 am-4 pm • 3rd Wednesday
Highland Haus 616-581-6734
MAH JONGG
11:30 am • April-October
Alpine Haus 231-972-3054
MIXED BOWLING
12:30 pm • September-May Remus Lanes 231-972-0700
CANADIAN LAKES PLAYERS
4:30 pm • 1st Wednesday
Highland Haus Elaine Cox: 231-972-4257 mizzelaine@msn.com
CANADIAN LAKES FISHING CLUB
7 pm • 2nd Wednesday • April-October
Alpine Haus 231-972-8663
TREASURE SEEKERS
Variable • 4th Wednesday Destinations Vary 616-443-9207
FISHING FUN NIGHT
Variable • 4th Wednesday • May-September Main Beach TBA
GREAT IDEAS
2 pm • 2nd & 4th Wednesday Highland Haus 810-919-1765 or ppwig@aol.com
MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE
9 am to 10 am Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com
WRITER'S QUEST
3-5 p.m. • 2nd Wednesday January-December Alpine Haus Joyce Wilcox 734-223-7841 joycebwilcox@gmail.com
Thursday
MEN’S CHRISTIAN BOOK STUDY
7:30 am • June-August
Royal Grille 231-972-5132
EXERCISE/DANCE CLASS 10-11 am Alpine Haus 231-972-0029
LADIES 9-HOLE GOLF LEAGUE
Toni Sessoms: (989) 824-3174 tls-franklin@hotmail.com
NEEDLE & NEWS
1 pm • 1st & 3rd Thursday
Alpine Haus
Hazel Scheiderer: 231-598-2203 dendwi@charter.net
SILVER SPOKES
9 a.m. • April - October
David Skaja: 847-367-0534 davidskaja@gmail.com
MARSP
11 a.m. • 3rd Thursday of May - July - September
Alpine Haus
Chris Wernette: 231-972-7336 chrisandsandy@yahoo.com
CANADIAN LAKES YACHT CLUB
1-3 pm • April - October
Lake Laura
Barb Szymkowicz: 989-330-6804 barbathome1@juno.com
MEN’S 9 HOLE DROP IN SCRAMBLE
9 am Check in • May & September
8 am Check in • June, July, August
The Royal Golf Course Roger Barr 248-675-7971
Friday
DROP-IN MIXED TENNIS
9-11 am Royal Courts 231-408-8801
MAH JONGG
11:30 am • Apr-October Alpine Haus 231-972-3054
WRITERS QUEST
3:00 pm • 1st Friday Alpine Haus 734-223-7841
MEN'S/WOMEN'S TO AQUACISE
9 am to 10 am Monday, Wednesdays & Fridays Alice Slezak: 231-404-1045 jaslezak50@gmail.com
Saturday
MONTHLY EUCHRE SOCIAL CLUB
1:00 pm • 2nd Saturday (Sept. thru April) except for November. rbielby3@gmail.com 231-823-4302
CANADIAN LAKES YACHT CLUB
1-3 pm • April - October Lake Laura Barb Szymkowicz: 989-330-6804 barbathome1@juno.com
Get your social gathering listed here! You must be a CLA Sanctioned Club and you must meet regularly. Simply send an email to thecanadianlaker@gmail.com for more details. If your group info is incorrect, please update us by also sending an email to thecanadianlaker@gmail.com.
• 20 years of experience simplifying the process for clients
• Independent agent working with top-rated carriers
• Annual reviews to ensure you are always covered by the right plan.
Oliver! | Acrylic on stretched canvas 12” x 12”
Artist: Jim Carroll, Fine Artist | The Pet Impressionist jim@petimpressionist.com | 630-677-9773 | www.petimpressionist.com Follow on Facebook & Instagram @petimpressionist