From the Board

Paul L. Szymkowicz President pls.clpoc@gmail.com

It’s 2023, Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a nice holiday season. Last year was an extremely successful year for our community and I see no reason why the momentum will not carry throughout this year.

The CLPOC held its first Workshop on Wednesday, January 11th and welcomed our newest board member, Linda Ricketts. The entire board looks forward to working with Linda over the next three years.

I would like to introduce to you, your 2023 Executive Committee Members. Serving as President - Paul Szymkowicz, Vice President - John Colley, TreasurerJim French, Secretary - Steve Wilcox.

At the Workshop one of our topics for discussion was “Civility.” An interesting word, what does it mean and why was it a discussion point?

First, the definition:

• “The act of showing regard for others by being polite”

• “Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech”

• “Disagreeing without disrespect”

• “Everybody’s voice is heard, and no one is ignored”

For me personally, it means to treat others the same way that I would like to be treated.

Next, why was this a topic of conversation?

There has been a growing trend in recent years that some members (very few) believe that our department heads and employees are at their disposal 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our employees work long hours and usually are willing to go the extra mile to make sure their duties are preformed to the best of their abilities. Those employees that also live in our community like to relax and enjoy their benefits the same as we all do. It is unacceptable that some employees feel that they can’t even go to the Royal Grille for a relaxing dinner, or that they have members stop by their homes uninvited to cause conflict.

This month, the membership fees and paperwork will be going out in the mail. The office staff have rules and procedures they must follow. They have absolutely no control of what the fees are and should not be harassed for simply doing their job. If members do not have the required information and paperwork to get all their stickers, they will be informed what they need in order to comply. There is no reason to take it out on the staff member verbally. Remember, treat others the same way that you would expect to be treated.

Directors have also been a growing target of some members. Some members' interactions with directors have become belligerent and profane. Directors have been physically accosted in public, and verbal and online harassment is ever increasing. Directors, like our employees, also live in our community, and like to relax and enjoy living here. As with our employees, it is unacceptable that some feel that they can’t even go to the Royal Grille for a relaxing dinner, or to have members stop by their homes uninvited just to be disrespected. Directors volunteer an enormous amount of time trying to make this community the best it can possibly be for all members.

In the days, weeks, and months to come let us open a community wide dialogue as to why this is happening, and what we can do to correct the problem and establish the level of civility we all want to see.

If we all work together, we can have another great year in Canadian Lakes.

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org

OFFICERS President

Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com

Vice President

John Colley jacclpoc@gmail.com

Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com

Secretary Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE

Dan Altier altierdt@gmail.com

Linda Ricketts linda.clpoc@gmail.com

Shannon Hannon shannon.clpoc@gmail.com

Jerry Juncker juncker.jerald@yahoo.com

Steve Brandt abrandtcl@gmail.com

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.