The Canadian Laker - 2022 February/March

CANADIAN LAKES, MI

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

MEET

Kristin Wilcox FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET HEARING

Roaring Through the 20's Again

canadianlakes.org

231-972-8300 CBLakes.com

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Sue Kempton Kathleen Adams Marshall Henry 231-638-3498 231-250-3197 231-598-0838

231-972-8300

Todd Lincoln 989-560-4884

Kolina Mako 989-423-0452

Rockie Peacock Bob Manzagol 231-349-5533 231-349-8096

Smart moves Start here.

Jim (JB) Bradley 231-598-4640

Joe Mako 989-303-8544

Michael Roberts 989-506-4275

Rich Marino 586-630-8773

Becky Young 517-899-7698

Jake Matthews 989-309-0340

Rick Kempton 231-349-8300

PASQUALI LAW OFFICES Mid-Michigan’s source for elder law, trust, and estate services More than ever, families have questions about planning for their future, identifying and appointing decision makers to act during a time of crisis, and avoiding financial risk.

If I am hospitalized, who has the authority to make decisions for me?

Does making an “IRS gift” to my kids cause penalties if I need long term care?

What is the triggering event in my powers of attorney before my agent can act?

How are my retirement funds taxed under the new SECURE Act?

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Without a trust, will my minor children receive everything when they are 18 years old?

What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator and what is their function?

What are the risks of simply adding my children as joint owners on my bank accounts or real estate?

Does my spouse automatically get to make financial and healthcare decisions if I need help?

Is it true that I will need a guardian and conservator if I do not plan appropriately?

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

AND JUST LIKE THAT...IT’S 2022.

I often wonder what resolutions have been made and which ones have already been broken. Let’s face it, resolutions are hard! So, whether you have vowed to stay away from sweets or vowed to be more polite to strangers, I wish you good luck. And here’s the thing about resolutions, those are yours and yours alone. It may take a couple tries to get them right and that’s okay. The best things in life usually take hard-work and practice to get them right so don’t be so hard on yourself...just try again.

With our resolutions in check and starting off the New Year, what have Canadian Lakers been up to? When the temperatures are not in the single digits, I see fellow Canadian Lakers enjoying the ice rink, tube tow, and the indoor pool. All these amenities are at our fingertips during the winter months, and we get to see a lot of smiling faces because of them.

If you are new to Canadian Lakes and want more information on our winter sports park or the indoor pool please register for a member profile on our member website, members.canadianlakes. org. You will then have the option to sign up for our Member Bulletin, a biweekly email from the CLPOC with up-to-date info on our amenities and much more.

This issue of the Canadian Laker is packed with interesting articles. Our volunteer writers Joyce Wilcox and Chris Zimmerman take their usual spots in this issue with a couple spectacular reads for you. If you are a numbers kind of person you will find the ProForma Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 on page 13. Liz Dean, Camp Registrar, has provided us with the Youth Theatre Camp summary and application, and check out the 2021 Red Kettle results on page 31. You can also find an article about our beloved Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club on page 23 and an interview with our Safety Director, Kristin Wilcox on page 30. All of this is packed into your February/March issue of the Canadian Laker and that’s on top of what is in every issue! Happy reading Canadian Lakers!

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

Mark and Kris Maurer Photo credit: Kim Flanagan, Creative Occasions Photography

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

3

Buying or Selling?

Call Tom Garner Associate Broker

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

2022 REAL ESTATE Topic. Everyone is curious about how the upcoming real estate market will continue and the simple fact remains—The secret is OUT, Canadian Lakes, the Tri Lakes and Mecosta County are a great place to live, play and invest in. Even though property values have continued to appreciate, this area is still a bargain. Buyers are coming to our area on a daily basis searching for their dream home. Inventory is still at an all time low and real estate listings are in HIGH DEMAND. Considering to SELL OR BUY?? Please give me a call. 231-629-6006

$349,900

$339,900

Little Muskegon Riverfront home. 5+ Acres. Exceptional Home in Canadian Lakes.

Incredible setting. Finished Walk out.

Finished walk out. 3 stall garage.

S O LD

$359,900

Canadian Lakes Golf Front- Brick Ranch.

Major updates - Spectacular setting.

S O LD

$167,000

Highlands Golf Front Home.

Finished Walk out.

$195,000

$97,500

Price to SELL-2 Bed 2 bath ranch.

Affordable living.

$289,000

80 Acre parcel with private lake.

Wooded and prestine setting.

S O LD

$59,995

$234,000

Waterfront lot in Canadian Lakes. 78 Acre parce. Woods Water and FUN. Far West CL. Great setting.

M-20 Frontage.

S O LD

$186,000

65 Acre parcel. Woods and Open/ tillable land. Paved Rd.

$225,000

Classic Chalet in Lost Canyon-CL. 4 Season Rm. Major decking.

S O LD

S O LD

Royal Canadian Ranch-Wooded Setting. Screened porch.

$125,000

Classic Chalet in CL. Water Access.

Needs TLC.

$129,900

Affordable ranch home in the country. Immediate occupancy.

S O LD

$134,000

Sunset Shores Home. Canadian Lakes Land Lease Community.

S O LD

$39,900

2 Acres building site in Howard City. Paved Rd.

$29,900

Waterfront building sites on Town Line Lake. Secluded Setting.

$150,000

Lost Canyon CL Chalet. New Lake and Park. Basement.

Features

Josie and Jameson Ward Photo Credit: Allyse Ward

12 Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Hearing

19 Roaring Through the 20's Again

23 If You Don't Look Back At Your Car After Parking It, You Own The Wrong Car

30 Meet Kristin Wilcox 31 Red Kettle Results 32 Outdoor Mysteries

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022

The Secretive Otter

46 Curtain Up, Light The Lights c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

5

Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation

In This Issue

8

From the General Manager

10

From the Board

42

Mobile Watch

44

Canadian Lakes Yard Waste

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

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Marketing

48

16

CLPOC Board Minutes

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

From the CLA

26

54

Let’s Get Social

Focus on Fishing

32

56

Volunteers Joyce Wilcox Chris Zimmerman Cora Foley

Calendar of Events

Life on Our Links

37

Joyce's Choices

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

40

Canadian Lakes Safety

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

Credits are noted with articles and photos.

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

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

Low resolution photos usually not accepted.

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

Josie and Jameson Ward enjoying the ride!

Photo Credit: Allyse Ward

Get Social With Canadian Lakes

The Canadian Laker is owned and published bimonthly by the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation (CLPOC) as its official magazine and is mailed at standard rate to each property owner of record to the address on file with the corporation. The Canadian Laker is a trademark of the CLPOC. Copyright ©2022 by CLPOC, all rights reserved.

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

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

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

canadianlakes.org members.canadianlakes.org twitter.com/canadian_lakes facebook.com/campcanadianlakes facebook.com/canadianlakes facebook.com/castleincanadianlakes facebook.com/royalgrille facebook.com/theroyalcanadianlakes facebook.com/thehighlandscanadianlakes facebook.com/thepinescanadianlakes canadianlakes_mi

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We hire team members who join the family.

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Mechanics and technicians

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Interested?

Fill out the careers form under the “About” section of our website.

From the General Manager

A GREG BABBITT General Manager gbabbitt@clpoc.org

belated Happy New Year! Good-bye 2021 and hopefully 2022 has found you all healthy and happy. Did anyone make a New Year’s resolution? If you did, is it still holding true? You might be surprised to know that millions around the world take these resolutions very seriously. Resolutions can basically be anything, such as doing something new and positive from the first day of the year or accomplishing a goal. One resolution I made, and try to always keep, is simply “to rise above the trivial things.”

Another challenging year has come to an end and as usual I have set myself some goals and objectives for 2022. I like to view the beginning of each year as an opportunity for improvement upon the prior year. I do not always accomplish this, but I do try, and it remains an annual aspiration.

Below are some annual reminders pertaining to this time of year: GENERAL • Your annual statement(s) were mailed in early January along with your 2022 Membership Form. Your annual Membership fee is due March 1st.

If you have not received your statement, please contact the office.

• I would also encourage each of you to return your Membership form to the office after you have verified that all the information is accurate and/or corrected any inaccurate or missing information.

• Also, please ensure that you go to the website, members.canadianlakes.org, and provide your email address, this way you can be assured you will receive the Member Bulletin in which pertinent information and announcements are e-mailed directly to you.

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 Dawn McNeill Michelle Farris Jane Hensley memberservices@clpoc.org

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FINANCE You will find a copy of the ProForma Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 on page 13. We have continued to build upon a successful funding plan by again using conservative estimates. It remains a fiscally sound budget and we will need to continue to operate conservatively in order to achieve a positive outcome. Realizing continued increased usage of the inclusive amenities, we will still need to rely on significant member and guest support of The Royal golf course and the Royal Grille.

The Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2023 budget will be February 26th at the regularly scheduled Board meeting, where there will be an opportunity for members’ comments concerning the budget.

WINTER SPORTS PARK As I write this article, we have yet to be able to fully open the Winter Sports Park at the Highland Haus. The ice rink and cross-country ski trail have been opened. The tubing tow has not been able to be open due to lack of sufficient snow. The tubing tow requires a significant amount of snow and a good base. This is because when tubes are towed up the hill, they wear a path and cannot be towed on grass or dirt as this will create additional drag on the equipment and pose potential damage.

In addition, we need significant snow for building a proper discharge at the top of the hill, so tubes are correctly discharged from the tow cable. There is snow in the forecast so hopefully by the time you read

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Prepare your vehicle for Winter this, we will have plenty of snow along with cooler temperatures, so members can enjoy these activities all Winter long.

IN CLOSING I have realized these past couple of years that at times it has become more difficult to get certain things accomplished with lack of internal staffing and contractor staffing. This year we will be playing catch-up on some exciting projects and trying to get some new projects accomplished. Stay tuned for periodic updates on specific projects.

Let us make the most of this New Year by making sure that we all continue to work collectively to keep improving our great community and moving it forward. Without your positive contributions and support, it can certainly be more difficult to get things accomplished. So, I would once again like to extend my invitation to each of you to share with me your thoughts, concerns, comments, questions, complaints, compliments, or anything else you can think of. I am always willing to listen and will do my best to accommodate each of you.

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9

From the Board

Exit 2021, Enter 2022

President Paul L. Szymkowicz

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS board@clpoc.org OFFICERS President Paul Szymkowicz pls.clpoc@gmail.com John Colley Vice President jacclpoc@gmail.com Treasurer James French jbf.clpoc@gmail.com Secretary Steve Wilcox doctorw.clpoc@gmail.com DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Dan Altier altierdt@gmail.com Daniel Rice dozerrice1960@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

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W

ith 2021 coming to a close, there have been so many successes this year that it would be hard to mention them all. With less than three months to go in our fiscal year, it appears that our funding plan is performing well. All our top amenities have shown a marked increase in use. Golf, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant, lakes, and campgrounds all have performed very well.

The corporation acquired the naming rights to “Canadian Lakes” and for the first time since 1994 the membership approved a fully restated “Articles of Incorporation” that have been filed with the State of Michigan. As soon as our submission is approved, our members website will be updated to include them.

I would like to thank our General Manager, his staff, and all our employees for the great job that they did throughout the past year during these difficult times. Our volunteers are a big part of our community. I thank each one of you for your dedication in making Canadian Lakes the fantastic place that it is today.

I had hoped that with the three COVID vaccines available, 2021 would not have been affected to the extent that it was. As a community, we were able to open most of our amenities on time. Personally, I have had more friends and family get sick this year than I did in 2020. Most of them recovered after a few days, and for those of you that lost loved ones in 2021, you have my deepest sympathies.

With the start of 2022, there have already been some changes. We welcome two new Directors to the Board this year, Steve Brandt and Shannon Hannon. We look forward to working with both of you over the next three years. I would also like to introduce your 2022 Executive Committee members. Serving as President- Paul Szymkowicz, Vice President- John Colley, Treasurer- Jim French, Secretary- Steve Wilcox.

The weather has turned cold, the last few nights temperatures dropped into single digits. It is nice to see the membership braving the weather to go grab a bite to eat at the Royal Grille. The last two Fridays it was standing room only for a couple of hours. The food has been excellent, and it was nice to see people going out to enjoy themselves.

No one knows for sure what the pandemic holds for the upcoming year. If future restrictions are placed on us, we will do our very best to keep the membership informed and to keep everyone as safe as possible.

If each year is better than the previous one, sooner or later we will all get to that light at the end of the tunnel.

I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their continued support and dedication to our community and I look forward to working with them and the membership during the upcoming year.

Thank you and continue to stay safe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROUDLY ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST GRADE IN SAFETY

7 TIMES IN A ROW!

YOUR LOCAL CONNECTION TO A WORLD OF CARE See the power of connection at mclaren.org/connect

MT. PLEASANT LOCATIONS: McLaren Central Michigan Emergency Department 1221 SOUTH DRIVE MT PLEASANT, MI 48858 McLaren CareNow Clinic at Walgreens 1309 S. MISSION ST. MT PLEASANT, MI 48858 Offering: High quality, efficient, and cost-effective care for minor illnesses, injuries, wellness physicals, health screenings, vaccinations, rapid PCR COVID/flu tests, and a full array of lab tests for patients age two and older.

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

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Budget Hearing

FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET HEARING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XII(C) of the Articles of Incorporation, the CLPOC will have a Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Hearing during the February 26, 2022 Board meeting.

The Budget Hearing portion of the

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meeting is conducted to provide the membership an opportunity to make comments on the proposed budget. A summary of this budget, ProForma, was mailed to all members in the recent annual mailing and is also in this edition of The Canadian Laker.

The Fiscal Year 2022 ProForma Budget, which will run from April 1, 2022, thru March 31, 2023, contains total income of $5,331,215, and total operating expenses of $4,386,504. The Replacement Reserve Fund and New Capital Fund contributions have budgeted contributions of $622,000 and $50,000, respectively. It also contains the dollar amount of $272,711 expected for unpaid Membership Fees during the fiscal year. Also, as part of this budget process, the Board will be approving the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Replacement Reserve expenditures.

This ProForma budget depicts certain income line items and the percentage of each item as it equates to our total income. It also illustrates certain operating expense line items and the percentage of each item as it equates to our total operating expenses. In addition, this budget provides a breakdown of the “weighted average” for the Membership fee regarding the amounts applied to each operating expense.

The Finance Committee has recommended to the Board this balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The Board will continue to discuss this budget and may make changes prior to its official adoption. It is intended that the CLPOC Board of Directors will be adopting a final Fiscal Year 2023 budget, including contribution amounts to the Replacement Reserve and Capital Improvement funds, at their March 23, 2022 meeting.

The ProForma Budget Fiscal Year 2023 Beginning April 1, 2022 INCOME Maintenance Fees Billed Membership Fees Billed Speciall Assessments Billed Annual Assessments Billed Amenities Fees Interest Income (investment Interest) Other Income Facilities Rentals TOTAL INCOME

FY 22 Budget % Of Budget $ 0.00% $ 3,106,889 62.84% $ 0.00% 0.00% $ 1,708,870 34.57% $ 12,000 0.24% $ 96,674 1.96% $ 19,375 0.39% $ 4,943,808 100.0%

FY 23 Budget % Of Budget $ 0.00% $ 3,309,175 62.07% Member $ 0.00% Contribution 0.00% $ 1,905,190 35.74% To Budget $ 5,000 0.09% $ 90,850 1.70% MEMBERSHIP $ 21,000 0.39% FEE $ 5,331,215 100.0%

OPERATING EXPENSES Salaries and Wages Benefits and Payroll Taxes Other Employee Related Costs Repair and Maintenance Outside Services (Contracted Services) Bad Debts Utilities (Electric, Gas, Phone, etc.)

Fuel (Gasoline and Diesel) Supplies Information Technology Insurance (Property and Liability) Canadian Laker Property Taxes (Equipment & Land) Cost of Goods Sold Contingency Legal Fees Awareness Committee/Marketing All Other (Leases, Postage, etc) SUBTOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

$ 1,485,440 $ 422,121 $ 14,975 $ 326,810 $ 431,278 $ 120,000 $ 256,882 $ 45,700 $ 189,150 $ 26,526 $ 71,740 $ 12,180 $ 17,305 $ 194,428 $ 15,000 $ 30,000 $ 90,972 $ 245,016 $ 3,995,523

30.05% 8.54% 0.30% 6.61% 8.72% 2.43% 5.20% 0.92% 3.83% 0.54% 1.45% 0.25% 0.35% 3.93% 0.30% 0.61% 1.84% 4.96% 80.82%

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Less Membership/Assessments not paid AVAILABLE FOR FUND CONTRIBUTIONS

$ $

(306,286) 642,000

$ 19.18% $

(272,711) 672,000

Replacement Fund Contribution New Capital - Fund Contribution Current Operating Contribution Future Operating Contribution

$ $ $ $

(592,000) (50,000) -

$ $ $ $

(622,000) (50,000) -

BALANCE

$

$

(0)

0

1,785,603 436,051 23,875 342,768 439,250 120,000 265,105 45,800 202,992 26,526 73,741 12,298 17,305 197,805 15,000 50,000 93,191 239,194 4,386,504

33.49% 8.18% 0.45% 6.43% 8.24% 2.25% 4.97% 0.86% 3.81% 0.50% 1.38% 0.23% 0.32% 3.71% 0.28% 0.94% 1.75% 4.49% 82.28%

$256.64 $62.67 $3.43 $49.26 $63.13 $17.25 $38.10 $6.58 $29.18 $3.81 $10.60 $1.77 $2.49 $28.43 $2.16 $7.19 $13.39 $34.38

17.72%

$135.78

$766.23 **

The annual membership fee for 2022 calendar year is $759.54 per the 2020-2024 new funding plan.

** Weighted average of April-Dec. 2022 at $759.54 and Jan.-March 2023 at projected $786.29 The Jan.-March 2023 projection at this point is only a conservative estimate based on economic variables.

Document Notes: 1. The Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Hearing will be held on February 26, 2022, at 9:00 am, during the Regular Board of Directors meeting.

2. A detailed budget is available from the CLPOC office.

3. Maintenance Fees contribute 0.00% of the total cost to operate the communtity with the amenities 4. Membership Fees contribute 62.07% of the total cost to operate the community with the amenities.

5. Assessment Fees contribute 0.00% of the total cost to operate the community with the amenities.

6. Amenity Fees contribute 35.74% of the total cost to operate the community and the amenities.

Marketing

We the Members!

I JESSICA SLENDAK Marketing Director jslendak@clpoc.org

n 2022, the Marketing Department is turning our efforts toward YOU…. the member. For years, our marketing and advertising has been focused on external efforts branding Canadian Lakes. Our message has been consistent and solid – “find your good life at Canadian Lakes, Michigan”. That message has focused on our name, where we are and our web address. It seems basic, but it has worked. More and more people, especially in the Grand Rapids area know us, what we offer and MANY of our newest members hail (GO BLUE) from there.

While I will still maintain our presence there, our focus is now going to turn inward to retain our membership and as new members continue to come, we will work to perfect our new member intake process, making it enjoyable and effective.

There’s a lot to learn about Canadian Lakes when one first becomes a member.

Questions a new member might ask: "Legacy Park is on West Royal – or is it East Royal...And there’s a North Royal?"

"What’s the difference between common and floating dock?"

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

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

twitter.com/canadian_lakes

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

Instagram: canadianlakes_mi

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"I need a sticker for my kayak?"

"Why is the boat launch gate locked?"

NO! There is no nude beach "This isn’t a nude Beach?" in Canadian Lakes.

"Is there a map of Canadian Lakes?"

"We have a library?"

"What’s the CLA?" This list could seriously go on for days. Being a new member can be overwhelming and we understand that. A perfected new member intake process will provide additional help and will inform new members, thus limiting issues in the future because the member was simply unaware. I have always listened when members have said “we need to be better informed.” Lindsay and I have been working hard to implement the best practice that’s most effective to inform this many people of this much information.

I’m going to go down a rabbit hole here for a moment before I get to the main point of this article to say again that if you do not have a profile on the Member website which is www.members.canadianlakes.org, PLEASE, I’m begging you, please go and register now for a profile. That is the first step to familiarizing yourself with the corporation and what it means to be a member. Select the “click here to register” link. Fill out the fields; and after you submit the information, you’ll receive a temporary password in your email. This will come via email and will most likely

Quick tip: Use a laptop or desktop computer to explore the website first and familiarize yourself with it. Cell phones, iPads, and tablets are NOT computers.

I cannot stress this enough! They are mobile devices; therefore, you will see the mobile version of the members website when using mobile devices. The mobile version will condense information and show you a different layout. It will have menus and tabs in different locations. Use your phone or iPad after you are familiar with the site. It too, like the desktop version, works beautifully.

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be filtered to your junk box. Lindsay and I activate profiles ourselves, so please give us some time. You may keep the temporary password, or you may change it under the account tab. The second step to get more comfortable as a member is to explore the member website a bit!

You’ll know you’re logged in because your screen will say, “Welcome to the GOOD Life, Jessica”, except your name will appear – or whatever you entered as your name when you filled out your registration (see photo above).

Once logged in you’ll see info tabs across the top along with the Member Bulletin Board. At the very top of the page, there are seven tabs. The tabs are Governing, Administration, Community, Amenities, Venues, Lots, and Store. Check these tabs out. You’ll find board meeting minutes, videos of board meetings and workshops, contact info for staff and Board members and more – all VERY useful info!

The Bulletin Board is a running feed of recent news from the corporation.

This feed is divided into eight categories: Board, Golf, Royal Grille, Lakes, Safety, Marketing, General, and Events. The buttons for these categories are located right at the top. Every recent news post will be related to one of these eight categories. You can view all the posts based on date or category. Board agendas will appear under the “Board” button. Royal Grille weekly specials will be under the “Royal Grille” button. If you want to know the latest information on one of the golf courses, simply click the “Golf ” button. To see all the recent

news, just scroll down through the “Bulletin Board,” which is listed in the order of the date posted. Important phone numbers are listed to the right.

Also, to the right is where a live meeting will show when in progress.

This year we are working to make our meetings a better viewer experience for our members, so please bear with us as we do some research. We are marketing people and know what it needs to look like – not IT, computer and techie people who know how to actually make it work!

Back to the main point of this article, which is telling you about how Lindsay and I are pulling our Debra Derry and her prize!

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

marketing efforts inside to internal initiatives while, maintaining external initiatives. For example, a new member onboarding process. We plan to connect with selling agents as soon as they list a Canadian Lakes property – especially if they are not a local realtor.

We’ll connect with buyers as soon as title work is ordered on a Canadian Lakes property. We plan to meet buyers right when they close on their Canadian Lakes property and greet them with a completely redesigned new member pack and even a welcome gift.

All of this will be in efforts to inform the new members coming in and of course, we’ll be connecting with current members in better ways to help them to better understand different facets of the corporation.

As always, nothing is left without some fun as well. In the last issue of the Canadian Laker, the marketing article was simply all about some Christmas Fun. Debra Derry (pictured) knew all the Christmas movie lines quoted. Just over sixty members took part in the fun and just under fifty of them got all quotes correct! Debra was the lucky member however and scored herself a Canadian Lakes throw, a Canadian Lakes North Face zip-up jacket, two Canadian Lakes mugs, that official Canadian Lakes community license plate, which can be purchased at the office for just $12 plus tax, (sorry, in-person sales only) and a $50 Royal Grille gift card.

I received so many notes from members saying how much fun they had playing. To some, it became a family affair. The contest may just become a December/January issue tradition!

Be watching this year – you’ll see internal marketing happening. As you see it happening, remember that external marketing and advertising is still taking place. We will maintain what has been built and perfect our internal process making us the most successful we can ever be externally! Cheers to 2022!!

15

From the CLA

G by HAROLD WOLF President haroldwolf63@gmail.com

Top: Wolf Family Christmas Bottom: 2021 CLA New Year's Eve Party!

16

ood day my fellow Canadian Lakers!

Well, it is February 2022 ... already two months into a new year. As I sit writing this issue of the Laker Letter it is 4:30 a.m. on December 30th, and I’m thinking not only of this last year but of the past two years and how they have changed for myself, and also for our country. For me personally, I appreciate the little things much more because I have come to realize what little control I have over the big things. For instance, one thing I’ve been wanting to get done for some time now is to get our deer camp group together for a picture. There are nine of us now, including two sons, a son-in-law, three grandchildren, a nephew, and my best friend. These days it is virtually impossible to get nine people together from different family groups and cities gathered at the same day, time and place. BUT WE DID IT! (Thank you, Kim Flannagan from Creative Occasions, for taking the grrrreat pictures.) I know for our kids, these photos don’t mean a lot to them now, but some day they will be priceless, and they are priceless for me today.

Marsha and I have never been good about taking pictures. This became painfully clear after our parents passed away and we realized how few photos we have of us with them, even though we were all very close. This past Christmas we were blessed to have all five of our children and eight of our 12 grandchildren here for the holiday, so Marsha and I took full advantage and captured lots of family photos (Our Kids LOVED it!) It was quite possibly our best Christmas so far! (pictured left) Marsha and I have been Canadian Lakes members for over 20 years, but until we became CLA members and eventually CLA Board members, we never completely realized how special our little community really is. This last year has been simply amazing.

The CLA provided and enjoyed a full calendar of events, culminating with our New Year’s Eve Dance Party where we had close to 100 members come and enjoy their neighbors, music, dancing, and delicious food. Oh, how our Canadian Lakes members enjoy their food! A special thank you to Antler’s for catering the amazing food we all enjoyed!

2022 looks to be another fabulous year in Canadian Lakes. Your CLA Board has been hard at work already planning our 2022 events, beginning with our Winter Carnival on February 12. Next is our CLA Potluck on March 7, and then comes our Easter Egg Hunt on April 16. A complete listing of the events for the year can be found on our website at www. canadianlakesassociation.org. We also will continue to offer CLA members only “perks”, such as our membership/ T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

discount cards, monthly drawings, special contests, and Lite Lines Kids Corner drawings.

Last year in my CLA Lite Lines letter I mentioned two personal goals.

First was to get our CLA membership back up over 1,000. We fell just short of that goal. We ended the year at 970 members (as of the first of December).

I’m sure we will get there in 2022, as more and more Canadian Lakes members continue to realize the value of the CLA’s $25 annual membership.

My second goal was to solidify our CLA Board positions. Well, it looks as if we accomplished that goal. We are happy to welcome Linda Champion and Tracey Bowen as our two newest CLA Board members. I am certain these two ladies will bring new energy and fresh ideas to our CLA Board family. Thank you for your commitment.

Our CLA Board would like to thank Tom Gawenda for his six years

Deer Camp

of service to our Canadian Lakes Community. Tom served as our Sanctioned Club Director and Medical Supplies Room Assistant Director.

We’d also like to thank Betty Gawenda for supporting Tom, and all of the volunteer hours she provided for our events throughout the year.

We will continue to do our part in making Canadian Lakes the best it can

be by providing fun and entertaining events for your entire family. Please consider helping us by becoming a CLA member. How exciting would it be for you to become our 1,000th member?

It’s going to happen – it might as well be you! So come and JOIN THE FUN!!

We will enjoy all the things this great community has to offer, together. Stay Healthy, Safe and Strong!

30+ years experience The difference between Ordinary and Extraordinary is the little Extra!

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

17

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Roaring Through the 20s Again

By Joyce B. Wilcox

T

here is a common and longheld belief which comes from multiple sources dating back to 8 AD which states that when opportunity knocks, you should open the door. Then in the 1400s the French coined the phrase, “Il n’est chance qui ne retourne.” This simply means, “There is no opportunity which comes back again.” Fortunately for us, today’s technology frequently gives opportunity a slightly extended warranty.

I’m here to share with you that this phrase literally rings true in this century to include the following: “When opportunity calls on your cell phone when you’re otherwise busy and it leaves a message, you should act on this recorded prolonged chance and embrace it.” And this story which follows is all the proof you’ll need to understand the wisdom of my newly created expression.

90's Birthday Bash!

It was a nippy Friday morning in late fall when I was out walking by the lake with my dog when my cell phone rang. But it rang in my kitchen where the phone resided charging on the counter. Fortunately for me, the caller left a recorded message. While the message has long since been erased, my recollection of most of it remains embedded in my memory.

“Well hello there Miss Joyce,” the mysterious and melodious message began. “I was hoping to catch you home, but of course you’re busy. That’s what retirement is all about. Team Wilcox is always busy. I wanted to talk to you because I have a favor to ask. I need to know if you’re available this coming Monday at about noon because your services are needed. I have an activity that is just perfect for you. Oh Joyceee, Jim and I think you’ll love it c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

and that’s all I’m going to say. Please get back to me as soon as you can.

Goodbye for now. It’s Merrelyn Brand.”

First of all, there are only a select few folks who call me Miss Joyce and Joyceee, so Merrelyn need not have identified herself. Secondly, when you’re beckoned by a Brand, there’s a sense of friendly obligation to comply since you’re always so sweetly addressed when called upon by this darling couple. I mean how do you say no to a dynamic duo married for over 75 years?

Thirdly, when you’re summoned by Merrelyn, it’s a little like accompanying Alice in Wonderland as she opens a box of chocolates climbing down the rabbit hole. You just never know what kind of treat that you’re going to get; you’re just guaranteed it will be hare-raising. And like Alice, you’d best not be late or you’ll miss out on the fun.

All of Merrelyn’s previous phone invitations have led me down the path to some delightful and memorable escapades. There have been Canadian Lake paddle boat rides just before dusk to catch magnificent sunsets; spur-ofthe-moment jaunts in a Model T to a local winery; and opportunities to join in musical performance skits at several Sunset Shores’ business meetings. So if Merrelyn Brand thought that this activity was perfect for me, I was inclined to believe her.

When I returned Merrelyn’s call and agreed to participate, I discovered that she was asking me to assist at a birthday party luncheon in her home for some Sunset Shores’ residents. She informed me that the Mecosta County Commission on Aging (MCCA) sponsors and caters a 90th birthday luncheon every year in the MCCA 19

Betty Reed

Activity Center, but due to Covid concerns for these seniors, their inhouse gathering was cancelled. With 40-plus residents over 90 years old residing in the county and with each resident being able to invite two guests, that annual luncheon was usually attended by over 120 people. Rather than cancel the event entirely, MCCA offered a celebratory take-out meal alternative. The Brands decided that they could safely include other Sunset Shores’ residents in their home, so they ordered and picked up their meals from MCCA. Their large dining room table for two became a table for four, with vaccinated neighbors Helen Pranger and Betty Reed also agreeing to attend.

I was informed that MCCA always provided entertainment after the luncheon, but due to health concerns, they wouldn’t be able to do so. This apparently was where my services were needed. I was to have the privilege of entertaining guests of ages 92, 94, 96, and 101. Merrelyn suggested in her usual sweet, yet persuasive fashion that since I was a resident poet that I must surely have some appropriate poetry to share with the honorees to assist in celebrating this momentous occasion.

Or perhaps, she suggested, I could write something in the next few days to share with the group. No pressure there, Merrelyn.

Merreleyn was delighted and continued to gush her compliments and gratitude over the phone. It didn’t take long for her warm-fuzzies to travel the air waves and I was caught up in the 20

planning of this event as much as she was. Like I said, it was Merrelyn, so I should have known that there would be an expansive itinerary to complement the luncheon. Much to my delight I would wear many hats at this birthday extravaganza, some literally and some figuratively.

Before I blinked, Monday had arrived and the fun would begin.

To make the afternoon all the more enjoyable for invited guests Helen and Betty, I was to act as their chauffer and provide their transportation to and from the luncheon. No problem.

And since Merrelyn and Jim were also honorees, she asked me to assist with taking coats and escorting the ladies to their seats in the living room before lunch was served. No problem. They sat and chatted for a bit while I discarded my coat and busied myself in the kitchen with readying the coffee.

Now donned in my wrap-around bibbed apron, my next task was to serve the already plated meals consisting of Swedish meatballs over egg noodles with all the trimmings, including a crisp tossed salad. Again this was no problem since I was just extremely grateful to not be responsible for any of the food preparation. I was there to assist and enjoy the delightful company of this remarkable ensemble 25 to 34 years my senior. I wore a perpetual smile while I stood in awe of their energy and was captivated by their endless stories. In other words, I was truly loving every minute of these festivities.

While they talked, ate, and laughed at the dining room table, I became the proverbial fly on the wall observing this incredibly fascinating foursome from my perch at the kitchen island.

It had been explained previously that since I was not yet 90 there wasn’t a place for me at the honorees’ table. If I wouldn’t mind, I would be provided a lunch but would be eating in the adjacent kitchen. This struck me as both quite appropriate and hysterically humorous. I played up my role as maid to the hilt, but did manage to join in the conversations occasionally.

After lunch there came a knock at the door and when I answered, I was greeted by Beth Whyte, the Activities Coordinator for the Mecosta County Commission on Aging as she held four T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

gift bags tied with ribbons and balloons.

As Beth distributed the bags containing goodies from various Mecosta County businesses, she spoke with each honoree personally and then took some pictures for the center. The presents and personalized attention were well received by this appreciative group.

The afternoon also contained an opportunity for each member to participate in a question-and-answer game created by Merrelyn. Each honoree was to write down answers to questions about their lives through the decades. The topics varied and ranged from identifying the U.S. President in office the year they were born to their early family memories; from various years in school to stories of meeting their spouse; as well as anything else they’d like to share. The answers were heart-felt and eye-opening as they learned new information about each other. Fully aware of their ages, I was still stunned to learn that their births spanned throughout the Roaring 20s from Woodrow Wilson’s to Herbert Hoover’s presidencies. They spoke of birthday parties, high school dates arriving on horseback, former downtown Detroit landmarks such as the J. L. Hudson building, riding streetcars, telephone party lines, and waiting for deliveries by the milkman.

This fabulous foursome had done it all and then some.

While I cleared the table, Jim entertained the group by playing some old favorite songs on the organ located in the next room. Toes were tapping,

Jim Brand

Joyce B. Wilcox

heads were bobbing, and lyrics were sung as this group listened attentively.

There’s nothing like an enjoyable tune to broaden the smiles and bridge the gap into the next segment of the afternoon.

After I refreshed the beverages, I addressed the group tableside while getting ready to share some poetry.

I started by removing my apron and slipping a purple jacket over my purple sweater so as to announce that I was transitioning from maid to poet. They’d have to wait for refills on their coffee; Miss Joyce was ready to read.

I began reciting the poem, Warning, better known as When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple, written by

British poet, Jenny Joseph at the age of 28 in 1961. The next line of this poem reads, “With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me,” which helped to launch the Red Hat Society in 1998.

While continuing to read, I reached down and donned a wide-brimmed beach hat decorated with all things red that I could find at home, including ribbons, buttons, jewelry, and bows.

The enthralled listeners giggled as I continued to read while extracting my well-selected props from my magic bag as they were referenced in the poem.

It is amazing how much laughter a well-placed brandy snifter, coin purse, flowers, ballpoint pens, and the like can

solicit from an audience.

Much to this group’s delight, the modified red hat remained intact as I continued with my next selection.

This one was a poem I wrote entitled Walking in Grandpa’s Shoes, written about my husband and grandson, but selected today to be read for Jim, the male nonagenarian in the audience. It’s about a little boy’s thoughts regarding his grandfather’s achievements in life. This poem came complete with additional well-selected props from my bag including an antique toy engine, a wooden airplane, a telescope, a toy car, and a golf ball.

I concluded the program with another of my poems, Preamble to the Postscript. This poem basically espouses a retirement theme of celebrating life to the fullest; a reminder perhaps to some, but certainly not this remarkable group. And yes, the red hat remained.

When the afternoon’s festivities concluded three hours after starting, I realized that although Helen, Merrelyn, Jim, and Betty were the honorees, I had been the one blessed to be included in their circle. What a privilege to share in their achievements, experiences, and dreams. They had opened their arms and their hearts to permit me a sneak peek onto the road ahead, without knowing the length of that road. Thank you, dear friends, for supplying a map and leading the way!

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Lakeview Walk-In Clinic hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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21

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2021 Cruisin' at the Castle Car Show.

If you don't look back at your car after parking it, you own the wrong car

By Lindsay Halcomb

H

ow does one cap off Labor Day weekend festivities in Canadian Lakes?

By attending the Cruisin’ at the Castle Car Show put on by the Canadian Lakes Cruisers Club. This annual car show is a resident favorite, bringing in 700-800 spectators with 80-90 cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Special raffles, donations, and silent auctions are held each year to raise money for local and national charities. The car show takes place on the beautiful grounds of our beloved Castle. Not only does the show bring in the cars, but it also brings in good food, good music, and a good time for the whole family.

Do you have a classic car or motorcycle you’d like to show off ? Don’t have your dream car yet, but have an interest in joining the Cruisers Club? Join Canadian Lakes Cruisers today!

This club offers a variety of fun activities from April through October; snowbirds get the winter months off. Some events the club participates in before the big show are dinner cruises, ice cream cruises, local car shows, and car club meetings. The Cruisers Club has a lot of fun, but they also raise money for various charities while enjoying their passion for beautiful and classic machines.

How do you get involved? To be a member, one must appreciate and enjoy classic and unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles, but a person does not need to own one of those vehicles to be a member. c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

What about dues and other fees?

The dues to join this club come in at a whopping five dollars ($5) for an individual or ten dollars ($10) for a couple for the year. You can pick up a membership form at the CLPOC office, or simply download the form from the CLA website, www.canadianlakesassociation.org. If you just want to come and show off your car, the entry fee for your vehicle is ten dollars ($10). There are no fees for spectators, and the show brings in lots of spectators and enthusiasts.

Car shows have some history in Canadian Lakes, but the Cruisers Club has been putting them on for the past seventeen years, hence the 17th Annual Cruisin’ at the Castle that took place this past Labor Day weekend on September 5th. I was a spectator this year, just like many other years. I have an eight-year-old who would never let me miss it. Luckily for me I enjoy drooling over all the cars myself, so a good time was had by all. And many of these cars bring back memories of earlier days for spectators.

The day began with 84 classic vehicle entries representing 33 cities, along with the club’s own nine vehicles. 70 of those drivers received 23

a door prize and 30 trophies were awarded. Entertainment was provided for children and their families, which included Dynamite the Clown with his famous balloon magic.

Food service from the Royal Grille was available, along with a DJ who announced entry winners and played music for the crowd.

Each of the trophy winners received an award for a specific category such as best paint, best foreign, best street/hot rod, etc. A silent auction was held and our local businesses that donated prizes did not disappoint; there were 39 auction items in total. Auction items included KJ’s restaurant gift certificates, Canadian Lakes tumblers, nine and eighteen holes of golf from various golf courses like The Royal and Tullymore, diecast cars, gift baskets, and much more.

Not only is this a cool club to get involved with because of the great people and all the cool cars, but also because money raised at the car show supports local charities. The charities chosen each year are carefully selected by the club and its members. This past year the charities selected were WISE, Angels of Action, and Mid-Michigan Honor Flight. Each of these charities could not be more deserving.

Want to join a club with fantastic members and help reward meaningful charities? As a member of the Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club, you will be doing both. As I sat with Marshall, chairman of the club, to gather more information on what the club does, it became apparent that this club works hard and plays hard. The club currently has around 30 members, but they are searching for more members as Cruisin’ at the Castle becomes bigger each year.

If you are looking to get involved in an organized club with members who have lots of fun, and help support local charities, then look no further. Join the Canadian Lakes Cruisers Car Club!

If you would like any other additional information, you can contact the club’s chairman directly.

Chairman, Marshall Henry can be reached at 231.598.0838 or at cblakesrealtor1957@yahoo.com.

2021 Charity Recipients and Canadian Lakes Cruisers Club members.

Leon Motz's 27 Ford Model T

Club members Jim (left) and Leon (right) with Roger from WISE (middle)

24

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

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

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231-972-6600

FOCUS ON

FISHING Last Year’s Fishing Fun: 2021 Canadian Lakes Fishing Club Activities

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

• February 13, 60 kids participated in 17th Annual Ice Fishing Derby, in honor of Augie Panozzo. Canadian Lakes Fishing Club furnished all tackle, bait and holes, hot chocolate and 15 raffle prizes.

• The 19th Annual Young Angler’s Contest, on Saturday, July 3. 120 kids entered, no picnic or raffle due to COVID. Prizes given to all kids, plus awards to 28 kids.

• June 19 Bass tournament, 22 boats. Total weight winner for five bass was 18.98 pounds. Largest bass was 4.38 pounds.

• August 6 & 7, 17th Annual Bullhead Tournament with 17 fishermen.

Winner had 25 bullhead, 17.37 pounds, largest was 1.26 pounds.

• Sept 14, 18th Annual Pike tournament, 24 anglers. Largest was 35.5 inches, most total caught was ten.

– Seven 3-hour Fishing Fun Nights were scheduled, May thru September.

– Little Pine Island Salvation Army Youth Camp was closed all Summer.

• Purchased 25 subscriptions to MUCC Tracks Magazine for area kids.

• Donated 4 fishing rods to Salvation Army Angel Tree.

• Donated fishing rod/reels to God’s Helping Hands clients.

• Youth And Big Fish, Year Around Contest, 8 trophies awarded.

• Annual Membership in Muskegon River Watershed Assembly and Keep America Fishing.

• Pizza was provided to entrants in the Fun Nights and Pike Tournament.

Year-Round Big Fish Contest Reminder This year’s contest runs from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. There is one entry form for both youth and adults. If the entry is a young angler the information for the angler must be filled in as to age, etc. All entries are eligible for the Largest Fish of the Year award if the minimum length is met. The NEW entry forms are available on the web site and at the CLPOC Office. PLEASE make sure that the form used is for the current year, 2021 to 2022.

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

Donate Surplus Fishing Tackle

Ice fishing in Canadian Lakes.

18th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby Saturday, February 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Bring the kids for a fun time ice fishing, whether they have done it before or not. No registration needed, just show up. Fishing rods, bait, holes and bonfire provided by Canadian Lakes Fishing Club. Hot chocolate and donuts provided by the Optimist Club. Fishing Club members will give instruction and assistance in catching fish. In past years, many kids have caught hundreds of bluegill, perch, and several pike. Location is on the Main Lake, just south of Buchanan, off West Royal, with parking alongside the pickleball courts. We will also have a free raffle for the kids with over a dozen great prizes at 10:30 a.m. Adults are welcome to come and learn the techniques. Questions, call Dale Doepker, dtroutman97@aol.com, 972-8663.

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

If you have any surplus usable fishing rods or reels, please consider donating them to the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club. Don Charles (359-1367) reconditions them as needed and they are donated to worthy causes. The club also purchases new reels as needed, to put on the used rods.

Fishing Club Meetings

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from April to October, 7:00 p.m., at the Alpine Haus. The 2021 officers are continuing for 2022. Everyone interested in fishing is invited to attend.

27

MEET

Kristin Wilcox

By Lindsay Halcomb

M

eet Kristin Wilcox, your new Safety Director. I personally believe we have found the right woman for the job, and I am certain everyone who meets her will feel the same way. Kristin is more than qualified for the Safety Director position. Kristin is a retired Intelligence Officer from the Coast Guard. She took on various jobs throughout her career with the Coast Guard, like boarding officer, landing officer, and paramedic. I will spare the squeamish details from Kristin’s paramedic days, but it’s because of those days she is able to stay calm in any situation. She has been trained to remain calm during the most strenuous circumstances while also being prepared to take command of the situation. These roles have made Kristin confident, organized, and great with people. Kristin is a people-person and likes meeting new members. That’s a characteristic of hers I noticed right away. She’s friendly, honest, and is a problem-solver which is great for the community. Certainly, sounds like the kind of attributes a Safety Director should have, doesn’t it?

Kristin has lived here off-and-on since 1991 and ultimately became a full-time resident in 2015.

She has a stake in our community and loves it as much as we do. If ever Kristin will get a day off, you might find her out and about. Depending on the season, she could be cross country skiing, boating, or even flying down the tubing hill. Kristin’s true passion is traveling and its one of the things she misses most from her Coast Guard days. Well-traveled doesn’t even cover Kristin’s past travels. She has been to every country in North, South, and Central America. She’s also been to Germany, Russia, and the North and South Pole. I am certain I have missed a place or two as I got lost imagining being at some of these amazing places. You are one lucky person, Kristin.

Kristin isn’t leading the Safety Department alone. Kristin’s safety team consists of retired police officers, a former sheriff, and college students. Kristin has a new team of strong, hard workers. They are learning the job right alongside her and she wouldn’t have it any other way. One duty that Kristin is working hard on is enforcing the rules our community has in place for our protection and for our preservation. Kristin, along with a fresh, new team are getting the job done, one day at a time.

A few things Kristin wants you to know about the job—first, is that change will not happen overnight. She is a new director with a new team. They are working to make sure rules are being followed and are starting off where someone else left. Not a small job by any means, but a job she can do.

Second, Mobile Watch is critical to the success of the Safety Department. She is grateful of the Mobile Watch and all its volunteers. There are over 500 miles of roads in our community and the Mobile Watch volunteers cover all 500 miles each day. What amazing support this community has, we are so grateful.

Lastly, there may be obstacles and hurdles to overcome as she gets the job done, but she is prepared to do a great job regardless. I’d say Kristin is a great fit to the CLPOC and is a great Safety Director. Please welcome fellow member and new Safety Director, Kristin Wilcox, when you meet her. She’s a great gal and we are lucky to have her on our team.

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2021 Salvation Army Red Kettle Results

By Dale Doepker

While Red Kettle results for all Big Rapids Salvation Army were down a little, the Christmas mail appeal and internet donations pushed total Christmas donations above last year and above the goal established for this year.

Canadian Lakes Results

Total all locations for 2021 = $6806, compared to $7195 for 2020, and $5837 for 2019.

Refuse Center Only = $4606 vs. $5202 last year, (11/26 to 12/24/2021).

Lakeside Motorsports Open House = $920 vs. $906 last year, (12/4/2021).

Hixson’s Counter Kettles = $1280 vs. $1036 last year, (11/24 to 12/27/2021).

JIM SKARDA 4 FLOORING

Thank You, Business Owners

We had 26 different Bell Ringers who attended the kettles for 76 total hours this year. Thanks to all who helped ring this year, and especially Tim Cook at the Refuse Center for all his help, plus approval and help from the owner, Bob Doerr. Also, thanks to Ed Richter at Lakeside Motorsports for allowing us to ring at his open house and his $500 matching donation to that kettle. Thanks to Gail Hixson for encouraging his counter kettles.

• Over 60 YEARS installation experience • Extensive inventory of carpet, vinyl planks, specialty flooring

It Takes A Village

Bell Ringers who could not make it to the group photo above were Gloria Parker, Frank & Karen Schultz, Jim & Joni Sandy, Tim & Barb Collinge, Lee Wolken, Theresa Frederick, Lillian Bukowski, Cheryl Fairbrother, Rick Kempton, Tim & Karen VanAntwerpen, Jim Williams, and Mike Sylvester.

The Bell Ringers who could make the photo op: from left to right are Bob Bellomo, Ian Givens, Pete Aleksnyas, Mike Lieckfelt, Sandy Wier, Peg & Ken Grybel, Michelle Kauffold, Don Charles, and Dale Doepker.

• We bring the showroom to you with home sampling • Unconditional 2 YEAR Guarantee on Labor • Canadian Lakes resident serving Canadian Lakes

P: 231-359-1195 | C: 708-542-6418

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

31

Life on Our Links

2022 Golf Tournaments

WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS for our members and their guests.

The spectrum runs from competitive, charitable, and social to just plain fun. We also conduct these events using all of our golf courses. The following is a list of our one- and two-day events for the upcoming season.

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

231-972-8979 dwolfe@clpoc.org

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

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

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

Apr. 9 May 7 May 11 May 21 May 25 May 29 June 4/5 June 8 June 18 June 22 July 2 July 13 July 20 July 23 Aug. 3 Aug. 6/7 Aug. 11/12 Aug. 20/21 Aug. 24 Aug. 24 TBA Sept. 2 Sept. 3 Sept. 4 Sept. 15 Sept. 24 Oct. 15 Oct. 31

Green Jacket Betterball @ The Royal Derby Dash Scramble @ The Royal Remus Lions Golf/Bowl @ The Royal Match Play Blitz @ The Royal Prostate Cancer Benefit @ The Royal BIG CUP Family Scramble @ The Pines Canadian Lakes Classic @ The Royal, The Pines, & The Highlands Tri-Lakes Golf Benefit @ The Royal La Senorita Scramble @ The Royal Habitat for Humanity @ The Royal Firecracker Open @ The Royal St. Mike’s on Spikes @ The Royal 9-Hole Ladies Invite @ The Royal Match Play Sixes @ The Royal Play for Pink @ The Highlands and The Royal Canadian Lakes Men’s Invitational @ The Royal Junior Club Championship @ The Pines Club Championship Weekend @ The Royal, The Pines, & The Highlands Gals on the Green @ The Royal Mobile Watch Outing @ The Pines Ladies Cup Matches @ The Royal Who Cares We Care Event @ The Royal Patriot Golf Scramble @ The Highlands Closest to Pin @ The Royal and The Highlands Canadian Lakes Cup Matches @ The Royal Forward Tee Open @ The Royal Chili-Dog Scramble @ The Royal Last Day of the Season

Some of these events are restricted to members only and some require a USGA Index. For complete details, check the golf page on members.canadianlakes.org or contact The Royal Golf Shop (dwolfe@clpoc.org).

Canadian Lakes Golf Wants You!

We have plenty of employment opportunities in our golf operation.

For the upcoming season we are looking to fill these positions: golf shop customer service, player assistant, golf cart attendant, and golf maintenance crew. If you are interested in golf maintenance positions, please contact Bill Hull (bhull@clpoc.org). If you are interested in golf operation positions, contact Dennis Wolfe (dwolfe@clpoc.org or at 231-972-8979).

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

Golf Handicap Service

What is the Canadian Lakes Cup and How Do I Make the Team?

THE CANADIAN LAKES CUP is a Ryder Cup style match that we play annually against our neighbors from St Ives. It is one of the most unique golf events that an amateur club member can compete in (ask any former Cup player). The team consists of 12 players and one alternate. We offer five events in the qualifying process, as follows: Match Play Blitz (May 21) Men’s Match Play Championship (season-long) Team Match Play Championship (season-long) Match Play Sixes (July 23) Men’s Club Championship (August 20 & 21) Match play is the foundation of virtually all of this qualifying. Players/teams are awarded points for all their victories in these events. A Cup Team qualifying package has been put together that provides full details on these events. Request your package via email by contacting dwolfe@clpoc.org.

Golf Leagues We have several golf league opportunities for you to participate in. Almost all require a USGA Index. Some have a structured format, while others are available for your participation when it is convenient for you. The following is an outline by day and course.

You can find more details for each league on the golf page at members.canadianlakes.org.

DAY

LEAGUE

COURSE

MISC.

Monday

18-Hole Men

Royal

tee-times, no dues, flighted, weekly entry

9-Hole Ladies

Royal

2-player match play, dues, structured

Highlands

2-player match play, dues, structured

Pines

2-player match play, dues, structured

Tuesday

18-Hole Ladies

Royal

tee-times, dues, flighted

9-Hole Men

Pines

tee-times, no dues, weekly entry

Highlands

tee-times, no dues, weekly entry

9-Hole Men

Royal

2-player match play, dues, structured

9-Hole Ladies

Pines

social, casual, no dues, tee-times

Highlands

social, casual, no dues, tee-times

Thursday

Pines

dues, flighted, tee-times

Highlands

dues, flighted, tee-times

9-Hole Men

Royal

2-player match play, dues, structured

Jr. Golfers

Pines

Wednesday

9-Hole Ladies

Friday

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

AS YOU HAVE READ, many of our tournaments and leagues require a USGA Index. We are a Golf Association of Michigan club, and the association facilitates our golf handicap service. We charge a seasonal fee ($35/player) to manage your account. You need a minimum of three 18-hole scores (six 9’s) to establish your Index. You can register for this service after April 1 at any of our golf shops.

Golf Instruction and Golf Services GOLF INSTRUCTION is provided by PGA Professional Dennis Wolfe and LPGA Professional Carolyn Allingham.

Instruction is provided at The Highlands Driving Range or at The Royal for developing your short game. The range at The Highlands offers range balls by the bucket ($5 each) or you can purchase value cards (15 buckets for $45 or 50 buckets for $120). Club repair services are also available at The Royal Golf Shop. In many cases, we can offer overnight service on regripping.

Carolyn offers a Women’s Player Development Program that begins in May. She has had great success over the years introducing or reconnecting gals to the game of golf. For more details on our Women’s Player Development Program, send a request to dwolfe@clpoc.org.

We also offer week-long Junior Golf Camps in June and July. This summer the dates are June 20, 21, 23, and 24 and July 5, 6, 7, and 8.

The camps are designed for players ages 7-15. We provide equipment for players as necessary.

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Outdoor Mysteries

The Secretive Otter

BY CHRIS ZIMMERMAN

34

THE LAST TIME I saw an otter it took me by surprise. It was last May, and I was in the turkey woods of Mecosta County, dressed in full camouflage. On one side of a small beaver pond was a tom turkey; on the other side, me. The tom gobbled voraciously the way they do in the spring of the year, early in the morning.

Back and forth we went, dueling the duels of hunter and the hunted with our audible slings and arrows. I did my best to sound like a lonesome hen by serving up yelps and clucks. The tom roared the rebel yell of courtship with his throaty gobbles. That volley between us is what makes turkey hunting so much fun.

But then I heard leaves rustling behind me. Although somewhat uncommon, I’ve had toms approach my calls without gobbling. Slowly, I turned my head and glanced ‘round the massive oak tree I used as a comfy backstop. Expecting a second turkey,

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

raccoon or possum, I was surprised to see an otter. It moved with grace and elegance – low to the ground – and hardly made a wisp of noise as it steadily came my way. Twenty yards to my left became ten, then five. I didn’t dare move. The otter slid past my boot tops and into the inky darkness of the beaver pond, leaving a trickle of bubbles in its wake.

The pond was quite small...scarcely bigger than the deli department inside Hixson’s market. There were no discernable rivers nearby and only farm fields behind me. It wasn’t exactly perfect otter habitat when compared to other places where I’ve seen otters in my outdoor experiences – such as about 25 years ago when I had an otter swim through my duck decoys on the St. Marys River near Sault Sainte Marie. Another time, in the Soo, a whole family of otters swam past our boat while we were fishing for Atlantic salmon behind the electric power plant.

“The Canadian Lakes area is ideal habitat for otters,” says Pete Kailing, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources in Paris, Michigan. “They’re very common and are expanding their range into southern Michigan.”

Kailing said that otters are part of the weasel family. They dine on a variety of items: fish, crayfish, snakes, water beetles, and clams are preferred, but since they’re omnivores, they will eat just about anything. They’ve been known to raid fish hatcheries, or private ponds. Their sharp front teeth and molars in back are well suited for catching and grinding their prey into digestible portions. The fierce disposition of an otter makes them a formidable creature.

Although extremely rare, otters have been known to bite humans. The

if you know what to look for. VanSyckle knows there are otters nearby when he sees an “otter toilet” on the edge of a river or creek. “Toilets,” according to VanSyckle, are nothing more than a pile of leaves, sticks and river debris, piled high. “They use the pile like a cat uses a litter box. The scent left behind is a way otters mark their territory.”

Once upon a time, trappers could make decent money in the fur trade.

Today, fur prices are quite low. At fur sales, an otter pelt now sells for about $20-$40, depending on size and quality.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Canadian Lakes has an abundance

of otters. Based on the DNR’s trout stocking program in the Little Muskegon River, and the multitude of chubs and water beetles I see during trout fishing season, I imagine otters have plenty to feast upon. As spring weather approaches – and a walk in the woods or kayak trip seems appropriate – don’t be alarmed if you happen to see one of Canadian Lakes’ coolest residents…the amazing otter.

Chris Zimmerman is a Canadian Lakes resident, a freelance outdoor writer, and the author of six Michigan based novels.

Gotcha! Trapper Jer VanSyckle captured this otter on a trail camera.

Wall Street Journal reported that a pack of smooth-coated otters attacked a pedestrian in Singapore. Closer to home, a swimmer in Newaygo County was bitten by an otter last summer. Kailing theorized that the swimmer’s flutter kicking may have triggered the attack because it mimicked a struggling fish.

Late winter is a good time to see otters because it’s their breeding season.

Males in particular expand their range, as they’re looking for females. They may run a week-long circuit that takes them across several waterways. Tracks in the snow may reflect the way otters kick and glide.

In April or May, otter pups are born. A litter of two to four is normal, according to Kailing. Abandoned beaver dens are favorite places for otters to live and raise their young.

Last winter, I found an otter that had been struck and killed by a vehicle just east of Coldwell Banker, Canadian Lakes. I called the DNR, obtained a permit to keep it, then took it to a local taxidermist who did a great job mounting it. Otters have relatively small eyes, and big, webbed feet. Despite their fierce reputation, the otter on my office wall looks to have a bit of a grin.

But the mystery remains: if otters are so common in the Lakes area, how come we hardly ever see them?

“Otters have hundreds of dens.

They spend a lot of time out of sight,” says Jer VanSyckle, an avid fur trapper from Big Rapids. Based upon his 18 years of trapping experience, he says the Canadian Lakes area is loaded with otter, c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

35

Guiding you to a wonderful place to be, Canadian Lakes.

Becky Young 517-899-7698 younggb@frontier.com

Let me guide you home.

Listings needed, call me for a free market analysis.

CBLAKES.COM 8520 100th Ave. Canadian Lakes, MI

231 972-8300 36

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

Joyce's Choices

by Joyce B. Wilcox

WELL, IT’S FINALLY FEBRUARY and you’re probably ready for some chillaxing. Holiday decorations are all packed away, except for that last bauble you discovered in the family room while moving back the furniture.

Or perhaps you were able to exchange that tacky, but well-intentioned sweater from great-aunt Sally; I’m sure she’ll understand that it just wasn’t the right size. And let’s not forget that the last of your mother-in-law’s fruitcake has disappeared, one way or the other. Yes, it’s definitely time to cuddle up with a good book and escape. You’ve earned it.

Consider these book recommendations an early Valentine’s Day gift, as each novel has a love story of some sort woven into the fabric of its plot.

From young love to senior sweethearts and from espionage passion to long ago longings, this month’s selection has a touch of romance and fateful matchmaking for your reading pleasure. So wait no longer. Read, enjoy, and love!

The Bookshop on the Corner

by Jenny Colgan This is a love story for book lovers and romantics. Nina Redmond loves her job as a librarian in the busy British city of Birmingham. Her passion is books and her specialty is as a literary matchmaker, pairing each reader with the perfect book.

Suddenly nothing seems to be going right in her world.

Apparently Nina is better with books than with men as she finds herself drifting through life as a hopeless romantic unable to find Mr. c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

37

Right. The men she’s met don’t compare to the heroes of her books like Mr. Darcy or Heathcliff and she hasn’t any fairy godmother to assist her in finding a prince. When massive lay-offs unexpectedly occur at work, she also finds herself without a job. Rather suddenly her quests in life now include: books, Mr. Right, and employment.

Resourceful, Nina answers an ad and purchases a van in Kirrinfief, a small village in Scotland, so that she can return to Birmingham and use the van to open a traveling bookshop. Fate steps in and her life changes yet again as Nina is forced to settle in Kirrinfief, leaving family and friends as she embarks on this next chapter of her life. There’s never a dull moment in this small Scottish village and the reader is pulled along as Nina drives her van and meets and befriends an assortment of interesting characters. She attempts to improve the lives of the townspeople through the power of books, all the while continuing her search for Mr. Right. Of course you can’t have a romance novel by Jenny Colgan without mishaps, quirky characters, and a little chaos. This is especially true with a matchmaker of books requiring a little matchmaking in her personal life.

I’m of neither British nor Scottish descent, but I’ve grown very fond of the books penned by this New York Times bestselling author. Jenny Colgan makes you feel quite at home with the turn of each page. Her accounts of the colorful countryside and use of dialect-laced dialogue enhance her well-developed plots in ways that help you to imagine each vividly painted scene. Her stories also make you want to travel abroad to discover the people and land that she so obviously loves. If you’re not quite ready to cross the pond, why not cross the room to your favorite reading chair and lose yourself in The Bookshop on the Corner? I guarantee it’s worth the trip.

The Chase

by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg What do you get when you combine the talents of the bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum mystery/crime series with the gifted screenwriter and author of television’s Monk series mysteries?

You get the action-packed-mysterycrime series, The Fox and O’Hare 38

Novels, featuring special FBI agent Kate O’Hare and con artist-turned-FBI-aidede-camp, Nicholas Fox. Suspenseful, intense, and at times appropriately humorous, this novel is simultaneously clever, crisp, and romantically spicy.

The Chase has the flavor of a modern day Rizzoli and Isles meets It Takes a Thief. (And for those of you outside of my age bracket, that marinating metaphor involves two very popular prime time tv shows which premiered in 2010 and 1968, respectively.)

Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg knew what they were doing when they created this dynamic duo. As part of his sentencing after his capture, renowned thief and con artist Nicholas Fox is paired with dedicated and determined special FBI agent Kate O’Hare to capture another thief. A former White House chief of staff, Carter Grove, has stolen a rare Chinese artifact from the Smithsonian and this theft, if revealed, may cause an international incident ruining the relations between the two world powers.

Fox and O’Hare must go undercover to steal the artifact and put it back. The plot thickens with Grove’s hidden secret vault and his team of elite assassins. Combine this with Nicholas Fox’s former con team and Kate O’Hare’s father’s retired band of mercenaries and plot twists continue. Let’s not forget the flirtatious relationship simmering between Fox and O’Hare which adds its own excitement to this daring heist. Authors Evanovich and Goldberg have collaborated on nine novels for this series and once you read The Chase, you’ll be in pursuit of the other eight books.

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah Have you ever wanted to have one last conversation with a grandparent now long gone? Perhaps you wanted to listen one more time to the romantic story of how your parents met, told only as they could tell it? Or you just wanted to know the answer to the age-old question: What did you do in the war? Kristen Hannah gives her readers, as well as the two grown sisters from her WWII T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

novel, these opportunities in Winter Garden as she weaves her insightful, romantic, and compelling tale.

The story opens with a prologue set in the state of Washington in 1972 where the reader learns that sisters, Nina and Meredith, ages 9 and 12, have a very distant relationship with their mother, Anya. Due to their Russian born mother’s secretive ways and cold demeanor, her bond with her daughters consists entirely of her fairy tale stories. Flash forward to the year 2000 in chapter one when the reader discovers the girls as adults as the pieces to their family puzzle begin to fit together.

Nina is a single and successful freelance magazine photographer in a significant relationship and traveling the world for her job. Meredith, wife of a novelist and a mother with two children in college, also runs her family’s business, a thriving orchard. The girls’ personal lives grind to a halt with the unexpected death of their father and their promise to him that they’ll take care of the love of his life, their mother, and also listen to the stories behind her stories.

Secrets are peeled away one-by-one as the daughters slowly learn the truth and as we, the spellbound readers, also make our own unforgettable discoveries. Kristen Hannah is a powerful writer who leaves no emotional stone unturned in Winter Garden.

Me for You by Lolly Winston When a novelist chooses to begin her tale with the passing of the well-loved spouse of a long, happy marriage, as a reader you know that you’re in for an emotional roller coaster ride of a story.

When that novelist is Lolly Winston, you also know that you’re in for an endearing story of understanding and acceptance with her sensitive prose and soothing humor. And when that novel is Winston’s Me for You,

you realize that she has the ability to talk to your heart, lead you by the hand, and open your mind to the possibility of honoring a loved one by making the most of the rest of your life.

The story begins when semi-retired Rudy awakens one morning to discover that he is a widower at the age of fifty-four. Rudy is a part-time piano player at Nordstrom, bringing joy to others but no longer able to experience joy for himself. Devastated, he finds himself going through and stalling in the hopeless spiral of the stages of grief.

His life becomes mechanical and meaningless. Eventually he seeks professional help while at the same time a friendship slowly blossoms with Sasha, a clerk at the jewelry counter who is in the process of divorcing her philandering husband. Life becomes more complicated when the police discover some startling information about Rudy’s wife’s death and want to further question him. This occurs just as Sasha’s husband reappears in her life. This book is a Valentine’s Day gift of love, hope, compassion, and courage wrapped together with Winston’s delicate humor.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows I read this book and saw it as a love story. Some may see it as historical fiction or as memoire laced with romance. In any event, Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, Annie Barrows, are geniuses and crafted the ideal format for this novel: it consists entirely of hand-written letters.

In order to convey the German occupation of the British island of Guernsey during WWII, they’ve set the story in 1946, after the war.

Through a remarkable series of correspondence written during that year, these stories are also combined with WWII letters written as flashbacks. Not only does the reader sense the drama of WWII, but one is able to live each event in the slow motion of mail delivery at that time in

history, a far cry from today’s instantaneous world. From the points of view of multiple letter-writing characters, the full stories behind the stories are revealed. The reader has a sense of eavesdropping on the drama, suffering, romance, and yes, even the light-hearted humor of wartime.

I have a confession to make. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society was a New York Times bestseller long before I gave it the nod. When friends and family recommended that I read this book a few years ago, I skimmed through it and politely put it aside. I thought it was just not my cup of tea. Had it not been for my current book club selecting it recently for our monthly pick, I would have passed by this gem. It not only became my cup of tea, it came with scones and a slice of potato peel pie!

No need to pack your bags for an escape. Just cuddle up with a book.

Read, enjoy, and love!

L ak keeside Pizza & G Grrinde inderrs ORDER ONLINE! PIZZAGRINDERSNW.COM

14”

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Pizza $7.99

Not valid with other coupons or offers.

No cash value. Expires 3/5/22.

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

Canadian Lakes

231-972-1000

OPEN at 7 am EVERYDAY Order ahead and pickup at our drive thru window.

39

Safety

G KRISTIN WILCOX Safety Director kwilcox@clpoc.org

Each membership is entitled to have two of these hanging placards for their guests to use while visiting Canadian Lakes. Additional Guest Passes may be obtained through the main office on a daily or weekly basis.

They are only available to members in good standing at the time of request.

reetings to all from your Safety team.

With winter in our rearview and spring in sight, our focus once again begins to change. From the winter wonderland with ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sledding to thoughts of swimming, boating, and ORV use. To help alleviate confusion when the summer months arrive and to get you outside faster, I thought I would take this time to speak about registration of vehicles/watercraft/ORV/golfcart, and guest passes.

CLPOC Membership stickers – A CLPOC member who is in good standing must provide the CLPOC with a valid vehicle registration to be issued a current year CLPOC membership sticker to be placed on the member’s vehicle; including cars, trucks, vans, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, RV’s, snowmobiles and/or watercraft, in order to establish that the member is in good standing for that year. The CLPOC membership sticker is non-transferable.

The CLPOC membership vehicle sticker issued for a member must be

This is the annual sticker for all non-motorized boats, golfcarts, ORV’s, snowmobiles, trailers, and RV’s. It must be affixed next to the registration sticker in a highly visible permanent location.

This is the annual sticker for all motorized boats.

It must be affixed immediately next to the registration sticker in a highly visible permanent location.

40

This is the registration sticker for ALL motorized Watercraft. Watercraft MUST be registered to the member. You will receive two stickers with the same number, both need to be attached permanently to the watercraft near the bow (front) one on each side, near the MC#’s. The annual sticker is attached immediately next to this sticker on the watercraft.

This is the registration sticker for ALL golfcart’s, ORV’s, snowmobiles, trailers, and RV’s.

It must be affixed in a highly visible permanent location.

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

This is the registration sticker for ALL nonmotorized Watercraft.

You will receive two stickers with the same number, both need to be attached permanently in a highly visible position to the SAME watercraft, one on each side of the hull near the bow (front).

The annual sticker is attached immediately next to this sticker on the watercraft.

All Members are required to have this sticker affixed to the windshield of their vehicles. (Cars, trucks, vans...etc.) It is non-transferable.

affixed to the windshield of cars, trucks, vans. The CLPOC membership registration sticker must also be affixed to other vehicles, trailers, golf carts, snowmobiles, watercraft, etc. so that they are visible. Any vehicle not displaying a current year CLPOC Membership sticker, current year issued CLPOC guest hanging placard, or a daily/weekly/ monthly guest pass is subject to violation and possible towing from Canadian Lakes common properties. Watercraft not showing the proper State and Canadian Lakes registration will not be allowed on any Lake in Canadian Lakes. Guests are prohibited from launching or operating watercraft that is not properly registered through CLPOC to a member in standing.

Your Safety team wishes to make your summertime experience in Canadian Lakes as enjoyable as possible. You can assist us in making that happen by making sure to acquire the proper registration stickers for your summertime fun prior to usage.

Serving all of Canadian Lakes

Remodel, new construction service and water softeners sales Water heaters | Bladder tanks | Pressure switchs

616-238-7333

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41

What does the Mobile Watch Do on Patrol?

WHAT DOES THE Canadian Lakes Mobile Watch do on patrol? Volunteers do a lot of looking, listening, and reporting. Patrollers drive less than 20 miles once a week in one of nine designated areas within Canadian Lakes, typically, in his/her own neighborhood. Mobile Watch’s goal is to have two patrols per day in each of our 9 areas.

Each volunteer begins his/her patrol by using “the kit” which is a white five-gallon bucket containing everything a patroller needs to perform his/her duties. The Kit includes a radio, a radio charger, magnetic Mobile Watch signs, an amber light, important patrol literature, and seasonally, a Winter Watch list.

BY ROGER STOBERT Prior to each patrol, each Mobile Watch patroller attaches the magnetic Mobile MOBILE WATCH Watch signs to his/her vehicle and then places an amber light on the roof. The COORDINATOR patrol volunteer then logs-in by radio to Canadian Lakes Safety.

Volunteers patrol their assigned area watching for anything suspicious or un231-288-0148 usual.

Patrollers also watch for open garage doors at residences where it appears no spankky@charter.net one is home. (Open garage doors provide easy access for would-be thieves).

While on patrol, Mobile Watch volunteers are prepared to assist stranded motorists or to come to the aid of lost visitors and, on occasion, even lost residents!

In winter, Mobile Watch volunteers keep a keen eye for red lights in the windows of residents’ homes indicating that there may be a possible heating system malfunction. Residents can help Mobile Watch and Safety in its Winter Watch mission by registering their homes each year prior to their departure for warmer climates using the Winter Watch/Red Light form. Registration provides Safety with the essential information to Virtually Invisible Hearing Technology remedy a potentially serious situation. These forms can be obtained at the CLPOC office or on the CLPOC website.

What does a Mobile Watch volunteer do when he/she sees something unusual? Each patroller is trained to contact Canadian Lakes Safety via the radio included in the Mobile Watch Kit. Patrollers do not leave their vehicles to investiDr. Beckie Kaczmarski Dr. Angela Barton • Hearing Consultations gate situations unless it is absolutely necessary or if requested by Safety or law enforcement personnel, and then only if • Demonstration of the volunteer feels comfortable doing so. new technology Patrollers never confront, provoke, or intentionally place • It may just be wax? themselves in danger.

• Accepting most insurance If volunteers come upon a crisis requiring immediate attention, such as an auto accident, fire, medical emergency, • Device for every budget or any other similar circumstance where time is critical, patrollers are trained in the proper protocols of notifying 911 Canadian Lakes/Mecosta Office first and then Canadian Lakes Safety immediately thereafter.

10857 90th Ave • MECOSTA, MI 49332 At the end of the patrol, each volunteer radios Safety that EVERY THURSDAY the patrol has been completed in the assigned area.

Metro Health Village Mobile Watch equipment is removed from the volun2225 Main St. SW, Ste.140 • WYOMING, MI 49519 teer’s vehicle and placed in the Kit (white bucket). The Kit is Grand Rapids Office then dropped off at the next patroller’s home.

2020 Raybrook Drive SE • GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 All recruits receive a “tabletop” orientation explaining Walker Office the procedures and protocols of Canadian Lakes Mobile 523 Wilson Ave. NW • WALKER, MI 49534 Watch. The tabletop talk orientation is followed by an actual practice patrol with the area captain. The captain during Call this patrol demonstrates to the recruit the practices necestoday or visit us online at www.KaczmarskiHearing.com sary for the new volunteer to be an effective part of Canadian Lakes Mobile Watch team.

Locally owned and operated!

(231) 972 - EARS (3277)

© 2017 Starkey. All Rights Reserved. 4/17 53096-17

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

Has Mobile Watch really impacted the Canadian Lakes community?

Residents might be surprised by some of the events that Mobile Watch has participated in.

Mobile Watch came to the aid of a resident who had slipped on the ice near his mailbox and couldn’t right himself. This resident lived alone on a lightly traveled dead end street. Had Mobile Watch not patrolled this day, this incident could have ended tragically given the brutally cold weather.

A similar slipping incident involved a resident who, while ice fishing, fell on the ice, dislocating his shoulder and couldn’t get up.

Another patroller came upon a rather secluded residence where a stranded worker was marooned on the roof because his ladder had fallen away from the house. Yelling for help was futile until his voice caught the attention of a keen-listening Mobile Watch volunteer.

In the past, Mobile Watch was called upon to assist Safety, the Michigan State

Police, and Mecosta County Sheriff in searching for an elderly resident suffering from dementia who had wandered away from his home.

Mobile Watch came to the aid of county neighbors east of Canadian Lakes when the Sheriff ’s Department asked for assistance in looking for young children who wandered away from home into a deeply wooded area.

As most of you already know, Mobile Watch literally reports dozens of red lights each winter.

Does Mobile Watch deter vandalism and home invasions? Studies show that in other communities where neighborhood watch organizations like Canadian Lakes Mobile Watch exist, complaints of criminal activity are significantly lower than in areas where there are no active civilian law enforcement assistance groups.

Are you interested in becoming an integral part of Canadian Lakes safety?

You can be if you become a Mobile Watch patroller.

You are supplied with everything you need, except you supply your own vehicle.

We can’t fulfill our mission without continued community support and participation. While we have many volunteers of all genders and ages (a few over 90!), some having been Mobile Watch Patrollers for over a decade, there are still areas that need patrollers just to have one patrol per day.

Please understand that the commitment is small. While the above may sound challenging, it is in fact quite easy. It only takes about an hour per week. If you are interested, even if only part time, please contact Roger Stobert, Mobile Watch Coordinator, at 231-288-0148 or at spankky@charter. net, or just call Canadian Lakes Safety at 231-972-8555.

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T

BY ROGER STOBERT YARD WASTE COORDINATOR

231-288-0148 spankky@charter.net

he Canadian Lakes Yard Waste will be open Sunday, April 3, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will be OPEN every Wednesday and Sunday (except for Easter Sunday, 04-17-22) from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., April through November 30, 2022.

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, which is prohibited, the yard waste site was established to provide CLPOC members in good standing with a place to dispose of their residential yard waste.

The Canadian Lakes Yard Waste is located on the south side of Pierce Road between 110th Ave. and Tullymore Dr. To gain access you will need a 2022 CLPOC ID, vehicle sticker, or guest pass.

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 and plants.

The following are NOT allowed to be left at Canadian Lakes Yard Waste: garbage, including food scraps such as rinds, peels, cores, etc., fireplace or campfire ashes, and yard waste containers or plastic bags.

Also, do NOT deposit your yard waste outside the gate when it is not open.

When depositing your yard wastes, please place them as far off the road and on top of or behind previously dumped wastes. This helps to minimize the number of times that “push backs” are needed, thus minimizing operational costs.

If your vehicle sticker is easily visible, the attendant will give you a friendly wave when you enter but will stop you if he/she doesn’t see the sticker on your vehicle or if the sticker is not current.

The friendly yard waste attendants are all volunteers and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please drive slowly when entering the facility to prevent raising a dust and endangering other depositors.

We are currently in need of additional volunteers to fill our 2022 schedule. Only two hours a month with no physical work involved.

Everything you need will be provided.

Should you have any questions related to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste or should you want to volunteer to help at the site, please contact Roger Stobert, Yard Waste Coordinator, 231-288-0148 or spankky@charter. net. You can view this information on the member website at members. canadianlakes.org/cl-yard-waste/.

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By Liz Dean, Camp Registrar

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The Canadian Lakes Players Present The 2022 Youth Theatre Camp

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Wednesday, June 29 – Saturday, July 2, 2022

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ONCE AGAIN, THE MEN AND WOMEN of the Canadian Lakes Players have stepped up to offer the children, grandchildren and guests (ages 8-16 yrs. old) of all CLPOC property owners in good standing a chance to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of the theatre. Whether they have never participated in a production before, or are ‘old hands’ at performing...all our welcome.

This year the camp will take place on Wednesday, June 29th through Saturday, July 2, 2022. After three days of learning the different aspects of performing, the campers will put on a production at the Castle on Saturday, July 2nd, for their relatives, friends, and neighbors.

If you have someone in mind for this year’s camp, please fill out the registration form and mail it to the address on the form, along with a check for $15 per camper made out to the C. L. Players. The camp is open to the first 50 applicants. If you are registering more than one camper, please copy the form and fill out one form per camper (or you may pick up additional application forms in the ‘kiosk’ in the CLPOC Office).

Any questions/concerns, please feel free to contact me at ldean710@charter.net or 231-972-8576.

Daggett Family CL owners since 1976 46

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

2022 CANADIAN LAKES PLAYERS’ YOUTH THEATRE CAMP Wednesday, June 29, 2022 – Saturday, July 2, 2022 At The Castle – 8:30am – Noon

Registration: $15 per Camper. Please make your check out to “C.L. Players” and send with this application to the address below. Application and check must be received no later than May 2, 2022. If a Camper ‘drops out’ after May 18, 2022, registration fee will be forfeited.

Eligibility: Open to the FIRST 50 children, grandchildren, and guests, ages 8-16 yrs. of Canadian Lakes Property Owners in good standing who are interested in performing on stage. All information noted below MUST be filled in. Omission of ANY information will result in DELAY of Camper’s timely registration.

Last Name:__________________________ First Name:___________________________ Male ______ Female ______ Address:_______________________________ Street (PRINT)______________________________ Parent/Guardian

________

___________

State

Zip

_________________________

_______/_______ /_______ _______________________ Camper’s Birthdate ________________

E-Mail Address

Phone #

List Allergies _________________________ Relationship to Camper

Parent or Guardian’s Signature:_________________________________ Your signature gives consent for Camp Staff to seek

emergency medical or first aid for the Camper. This person

will be the first one contacted in case of an emergency.

Parent or Guardian’s Signature: ________________________________ Your signature gives consent for your Camper to be filmed and/or photographed for Theatre Camp use.

T-SHIRT SIZE

Children’s Small ___ Med. ___ Large ___ X-Large ___

________________________________________ Alternate Contact/Relationship

Adult Small ___ Med. ___ Large ___ X-Large ___

________________________________________ Alternate Contact’s Phone #

Please mail this application, along with a check for $15 per camper (made out to C.L. Players) to: Liz Dean 9277 Elmwood Ct., Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

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

47

CLPOC Board Minutes CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Saturday, November 20, 2021 (Highland Haus) 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Paul Szymkowicz, President at 9:00 a.m. Board members present were: Dan Rice and Steve Wilcox. John Colley, Vice President, James French, Treasurer, Linda Tilley, Secretary, Jerry Juncker, Bob Halpin (via Zoom) and Dan Altier attended via Zoom.

2. Staff members: Greg Babbitt, Lindsay Holcomb, Kim Dowell 3. Approval of the Agenda: Treasurer French made a comment that the Lot Default Ad Hoc Committee, once delivering its final report, according to Robert’s Rules of Order, ceases to exist. Director Halpin stated that the Committee would be disbanded at the December, 2021 Board Meeting. President Szymkowicz asked if the Board was in agreement for a one-time exemption, the Agenda would remain as presented. Motion by Halpin / Support French, Approved 8/0 AUSTIN AND MORTON TOWNSHIP REPORTS: 1. Austin Township met and discussed road issues. It was decided to use the same road contractor as last year. The service was better albeit a little more expensive than the County Road Commission.

Federal money is being held by the County Road Commission; they have requested the county give more support for the roads.

2. Mark Klumpp of Morton Township presented the report. The Township hired new building-zoning inspector. He has a meeting scheduled with Casey Smith and Kristin Wilcox of CLPOC. It is understood that the CLPOC approves building requests before Township will issue a permit. Recycle compactor has been installed and now they are working on traffic flow. Township Fire Chief is now a full-time position, this will improve training and response. Walking and bike trail is now open in Mecosta, from Franklin St to 90th. This trail is 48

now known as White Pine Trail, Mecosta Loop. The Township sold last the last 3 lots in the business park. A new rescue vehicle, a white suburban, has been purchased and saving money and modernizing the response vehicle. The Valley Court paving project is complete.

The Township has requested the County Road commission to provide more of the allocated funds for local roads. A Short-term Rental legislation has passed the Michigan House, headed to the Michigan Senate. This bill takes away local control of requirements for shortterm rental properties. Reach out to your senator or to Township officers for more information. Director Wilcox asked if the full-time fire chief might increase the ISO rating. The blight ordinance by the Township are on the township website. Rice asked about the duration of short-term rentals, as changed by the legislation. Up to 30% of the property would be allocated to allow short-term rentals.

3. Director Altier left the call at 9:17 a.m.

4. President’s Report: President Szymkowicz thanked the members attending and the members who will watch this meeting online.

It seems like yesterday the snow was melting and Spring was on its way. After a wonderful summer on the lakes, various courts and golf courses, it is time to close up for Fall. He thanked the staff members and volunteers for their support and efforts. He wished everyone a great holiday season and expressed wishes to stay safe.

5. Financial Report: Controller Dowell presented the current financial statements. Note: As of the end of October, 228 lots have outstanding 2020 balances and 164 lots have outstanding balances from 2019.

Efforts to collect are ongoing.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. ACC: Secretary Tilley reported that the committee met on November T h e C a n ad i a n L a ke r

19, approving one new home, one garage addition and one fence. The committee anticipates receiving a request for at least one new home at the December meeting. As of that meeting, 23 new homes have been approved and one home in a subdivision we do not control was approved. Most of the homes are either completed or under construction. Others are hopeful to begin before the winter weather arrives.

2. CLA Liaison: Director Rice reports the CLA met in November. Previous events: October 30, Halloween Dance; October 31, Trick or Treat at the Castle (over 500 members and family attended); November 4, Cookoff (Curtis Wolf won); November 6, New Member Welcome Event; November 8, Gal’s Night Out; November 11, CLA Veteran Event (22 veterans were honored).

Upcoming events: Saturday, November 27, Christmas Craft show at Castle; December 5, Christmas Concert; December 9-10, Judging of Holiday Home Decorating Contest; December 31, New Year’s Eve party. Monthly CLA Member drawing winners were Kevin and Debra Post. Currently the CLA has 947 members. Please check the CLA website for event details and remember, the membership directory is a wonderful asset.

3. Executive: The committee met to discuss pending legal issues and the Hoover Dam report. General Manager Babbitt was asked if CLDC naming rights and acquisition agreement is complete, yes, it has been completed. Secretary Tilley gave a soft report on the IT program search, and there was a discussion of the possible need for Code of Conduct for BOD members.

4. Finance: Treasurer French reports the committee met to review 2022 budget statistics, 2021 final audit report and 2023 budget. There will be a presentation on the status of the 5-year funding plan at the Annual Members Meeting later today.

CLPOC Board Minutes Director Halpin asked if the report by the subcommittee reviewing the contents of the Repair and Replacement Fund will be available before the vote on 2022 membership dues.

Treasurer French agreed to check with the committee to be certain it will be ready.

5. Lot Default AdHoc: Director Halpin reminded everyone that the reports are on the CLPOC website. The reports are from outside entities and are suggestions and to be discussed. Members have been reminded weekly to go to the website to review. The one issue left is discussion and research for a possible conservancy and trust for the lots held by the Michigan Land Bank. Next regular meeting, there will be a white paper dissolving the Lot Default Committee. Jo Alex will work with the office staff to transfer the data from the lot database.

6. Nominating Committee: President Szymkowicz reported this will be the last report for this committee this year. Director Juncker and member at large Jo Alex were thanked for their time and effort, also the 6 members in good standing that volunteered their time to count the votes and the CLA that hosted the event.

7. Strategic Planning: Secretary Tilley reported for Director Altier: there was a membership meeting on the IT project. The requirements were finalized for the new software.

The committee expects white papers in December from the staff for the software and a walking path at the Highland Woods Park.

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

2. Each month one of the department heads will attend the board meeting to present their reports in person. This meeting there will not be a department head reporting in person. The practice will resume in December.

3. Please note: The departmental

4.

5.

6.

7.

reports, normally listed here, have been posted on the Canadian Lakes website for your convenience.

The Indian Bridge irrigation project is complete, the 9th hole Bridge will be completed in 2022. The cart paths will be delayed until Spring.

Valley Court has been paved, Timberlane and Aberdeen have now been overlaid. The Hoover Dam is reported to have a layer of organic material allowing water to bypass the dam. We will continue to work on this project. The beverage cooler and additional taps have been ordered, the vendor estimates delivery in 10-12 weeks.

Consent Calendar: The minutes from the Board of Directors Meeting October 23, 2021 and the receipt and filing of the October, 2021 Check Disbursements were presented for approval. Motion by Tilley, Support by Wilcox, Approved 7/0. (Altier absent) Members Comments on Items for action or discussion: Peter Ricketts (HW191) expressed his concern that the state has 706 lots, which does not cost CLPOC anything.

If we partner with the state to take back 72 lots for greenbelts, why can’t we purchase the lots and keep the state out of it.

Items for Action: Receive and File Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Audit.

Motion French, Support Wilcox, Approved 7/0 (Altier absent)

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. State Land Bank Trust Agreement: Appointing Directors Juncker (and Rice,as amended) to explore the potential for any trust agreements with the state.

2. Motion to Suspend the Rules by Halpin, Support Rice DISCUSSION: 1. Director Wilcox commented that he was frustrated and perplexed, this committee has been working on this for 28 months, why rush to pass this. What is the need for agreement, can’t allow anyone to be prevented from purchasing a lot, these lots may be where they c a n a d i a n l a ke s .o r g

2.

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belong, why no detailed infrastructure report or equilibrium report.

Could Canadian Lakes handle an additional 700 plus lots. There has not been enough time to get all questions answered. CLPOC’s attorney should be doing the negotiation, this is being jammed down the members throat. This affects the members quality of life.

Vice President Colley characterized the comments by Director Wilcox as a personal attack and protested during Director Wilcox’s comments.

Director Juncker stated this is a continuation of research and he would reconsider his volunteer role in this endeavor if he anticipated being constantly subjected to this kind of questioning and slowed down during the process. He asks the Board to have an open mind.

Vice President Colley commented that Director Wilcox’s comments were inappropriate and not entirely accurate. The White paper proposal is to authorizing someone to proceed with investigation and analysis only.

Director Rice offered Director Juncker assistance with fact finding, if this is approved.

Treasurer French commented that if we go forward with this independent review, it should be more than a one person committee. He would wish to see an Ad-Hoc Committee and involvement of CLPOCs attorneys Secretary Tilley No comments and no problem going forward with the proposal.

President Syzmkowicz expressed his concern that the State Land Bank has not sold any lots to interested members. Suggested that more than one Director should be tasked with this research.

Director Halpin stated he does not agree with Director Wilcox. There wasn’t a vote on this matter at the last board workshop, only because two directors were absent. This is an investigation we are not going forward with any agreement at this time.

Directors Juncker and Rice were on the LDC and have been involved in the meetings with state land bank.

They are fully aware of the history of 49

CLPOC Board Minutes

10.

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50

the LDC. Either the Board wants to do the research or not.

Treasurer French proposes putting the matter to legal counsel, then decide in December. Should be Directors Rice, Juncker and one other.

Director Wilcox stated he did not receive any answers to any of my questions. I am not close minded, members have no say. How can we consider the white paper without infrastructure, possible. Asked Director Halpin for a response.

Director Halpin stated that he chose to not engage.

President Syzmkowicz this is merely to gather information and present the package to the board and members. Asked Director Halpin if he would be willing to wait until the December Board Meeting to address this White Paper.

Director Halpin refused.

Director Juncker will bring to the board an opinion by an attorney who specializes in Trusts.

Director Rice once more stated his willingness to help Director Juncker in fact finding and meeting with Land bank representatives.

Amended to include Director Dan Rice in the white Paper.

Moved to Suspend the Rules Halpin, Support Tilley Roll Call Vote: Yes votes: Colley, Halpin, Rice, Tilley, Juncker, Symzkowicz. No votes: Wilcox and French, Approved 6/2 Motion to approve the amended White Paper: Halpin, Support Juncker Roll Call Vote: Yes votes: Colley, Halpin, Rice, Tilley, Juncker. No votes: Wilcox, French. Approved 5/2 2022 Fee Schedule: Staff has reviewed and sent to the Finance Committee for Approval. This will be brought to the Board during the December 2021 meeting.

Fiscal Year 2023 ProForma Budget: CPI is 5.5%, but the funding program caps increases at 4.3%.

Official approval in March meeting.

Members Comments: Linda Ricketts HW191, LDC should have had meeting with the members. Ron Presley CL442 Director Wilcox im-

plied Director Halpin was not being transparent. He feels the board and management was not transparent, in particular the PPP money received.

Peter Ricketts, HW 191 how many people read the reports, in his opinion disappointing that so much money was spent on a report that had only common sense with added fluff. He does not feel enough data was produced or shared with the members. The committee should not have been disbanded if there is more work to be done.

25. Directors’ Comments: Rice, thanked everyone for coming today, reminder of 1:00 pm Annual Members Meeting. Wilcox, stated that he represented the members, disappointed that fellow member of the board balked at accountability and transparency. Hope going forward they will pick up the mantra of representing you and not their projects. Juncker we are not done with the research, we will present the information to the Board and Membership. If there are any roadblocks or CL is not in control they will not continue. Halpin agree with Juncker’s comments, believe they will do a good job for the board to determine if these trusts are the right decision for the board. There are two reports on the website with an enormous amount of data. This includes the database of lots compiled by Jo Alex.

Thank the LDC committee and its 3 at large members who stayed with the committee for 2 years. Tilley, support Juncker’s comments and support the investigation of options with the state land bank. French commented that he voted no because Robert’s Rules of Orders specifies how AdHoc committees are treated and the LDC should have been disbanded with the final report. Also that the research should be set up as an AdHoc committee. Colley,noted that he respected what French said regarding Roberts Rules. We do follow the rules, but not completely.

Disappointed at some of the dialog that came out, it was unnecessary and cast a negative pall over the work the LDC committee has done.

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

Symzkowicz stated we try to follow Roberts Rules, but some rules seem to be contradictory. I approve the information gathering. Waiting 30 days, is not necessary. BOD and our attorney will have the final say on whether we will proceed. There are no costs incurred by this research.

26. Member Communication Requirements: ProForma Budget and Fee schedule will be available on the website and will be voted on during the December Board Meeting. The election results will be available to be included after the Members’ Meeting at 1:00 p.m.

27. Executive Session: None needed.

28. Adjournment: Adjourned at 10:54 a.m.

29. Notes: The next Board Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the CLPOC office, beginning at 5:30 p.m.; the next scheduled Board Meeting is at the Highland Haus beginning at 9:00 a.m. on December 18, 2021.

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

CLPOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Saturday, December 18, 2021 (Highland Haus) 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Paul Szymkowicz, President at 9:00 a.m. Board members present were: Vice President John Colley, Dan Rice and Steve Wilcox. James French, Treasurer, Linda Tilley, Secretary, Jerry Juncker, Dan Altier attended via Zoom.

Bob Halpin was absent.

2. Staff members: Greg Babbitt, Lindsay Holcomb, Kim Dowell, Casey Smith 3. Approval of the Agenda: Motion

by Wilcox / Support Altier, Approved 7/0 (Halpin absent) 4. Austin and Morton Township Reports: No reports received.

5. President’s Report: President Szymkowicz: 2021 is coming to a close and there were many successes

CLPOC Board Minutes this year. All the amenities performed well. The articles of incorporation restatement was approved by the membership in November. Two board members have completed their terms of office and will not be returning in 2022, Bob Halpin and Linda Tilley. New board members are Steve Brandt and Shannon Hannon. He expressed his thanks to Bob Halpin for chairing the Lot Default AdHoc Committee and Board Members Jerry Juncker and Dan Rice, along with Members-at-Large,

Jo Alex, Jim Bakora and Mike Gray for their service over the past two years. The General Manager and Staff were thanked for their hard work over the past year and fellow Board Members were thanked for their support. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.

6. Financial Report: Controller Dowell presented the current financial statements. Note: As of November 30, 2021, 217 lots have outstanding 2020 balances and 162 lots have outstanding balances from

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

2019. Efforts to collect are ongoing.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. ACC: Secretary Tilley reported that the committee met this week, approving five new homes and one home addition. As of that meeting, 28 new homes and one home in a subdivision we do not control were approved during 2021.

2. CLA Liaison: Director Rice reports the CLA met in December. Previous events: December 5, Christmas Concert; December 9-10, Judging of Holiday Home Decorating Contest; Upcoming event: December 31, New Year’s Eve party. Monthly CLA Member drawing winners were Scott and Darla Peterson. Currently the CLA has 970 members. Please check the CLA website for event details. He also thanked the CLA Board and volunteers for their work this year and noted that this is a great organization and a wonderful asset for Canadian Lakes.

3. Executive: The committee met to discuss pending legal issues, the AOI submission to the State of Michigan, New Board Member Orientation for January, a report on the Hoover Dam project, the Pierce Road bridge, discussion of the possible need for a Code of Conduct for BOD members and possible consideration of a Completion Bond for new construction projects.

4. Finance: Treasurer French reports the committee met to review fiscal 2022 budget projections, membership statistics, small claims court filings and the proposed budget draft for 2023. The replacement reserve sub-committee is working on their report. The committee reviewed the quote for hiking and biking trail in Highland Woods Park. Community planning committee gave an update.

5. Strategic Planning: Director Altier: reports the committee met and then shared the proposed strategy for improvements, additions to amenities and a timeline for implementation. The proposal for IT Software and implementation is under consideration. This upgrade

CLPOC Board Minutes would improve efficiency for the staff and allow members to access their records, pay by credit card at the various venues and schedule tee times for golf online.

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

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

This meeting there will not be a department head reporting in person.

The practice will resume in January.

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

4. Reserve and capital: Hoover Dam appears to have water seeping through the gravel and a layer of organic material. The contractor is working on determining the best recommendation for repair. Pierce Road dam likely needs repairs to the outlet pipe. There is a camera inspection scheduled to determine what repairs, if any, are needed.

5. Restaurant beverage basement cooler has been ordered, parts are on backorder, should arrive by February for completion.

6. The winter sports park is being prepared for members enjoyment.

The crosscountry trail will go all the way around the Highlands Golf Course this year.

7. Consent Calendar: The Notes of the November 3, 2021 Board Workshop, Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting November 20, 2021 and the

receipt and filing of the November, 2021 Check Disbursements were presented for approval. Motion by Tilley, Support by French, Approved 7/0. (Halpin absent) 8. Members Comments on Items for action or discussion: None ITEMS FOR ACTION: 1. Approve the Calendar Year 2022 Fee Schedule for January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Motion by French, Support by Colley, Approved 7/0 (Halpin absent) 2. Approve the Fiscal year 2023 ProForma Budget: as indicated in packet. Motion by French Support by Rice, Approved 7/0 (Halpin absent) ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Non-Motorized Hiking/Biking Trail: Rationale: many members enjoy and are interested in additional hiking and biking trails.

The proposed trail is 1.5 miles long, with a 2-inch layer of gravel, quarter mile markers and boulders will be placed at each end of the ancillary roads within the area to prevent any vehicle usage. The trail is self-contained and will not cross a road. Casey Smith described the location and plans for this trail.

2. Members Comments: Sean Shantz of Royal South has received a letter from Safety about his work trailer stored on his property. His is disputing that there is a deed restriction violation. General Manger Babbitt will research the issue.

3. Directors’ Comments: Director Altier thanked the staff for hard work this year, Director Halpin and

lot Default Committee and Director Tilley for her help with the IT program. Welcomed new Board Members. Director Juncker agrees with Director Altier’s comment especially Halpin and Tilley, looks forward to working with new Board Members, Treasurer French echoed the previous thanks. Secretary Tilley, expressed her enjoyment of time on the board, wished everyone a Happy, Healthy New Year and congratulated new Board Members Brandt and Hannon. Wilcox and Rice agreed with prior comments and thanked the staff and membership. Vice President Colley also echoed the thanks and reflected on his time in Canadian Lakes this year.

President Szymkowicz mentioned the thanks and acknowledgements in his earlier comments.

4. Member Communication Requirements: Notify the members that the restated Articles Of Incorporation have been submitted to the State of Michigan, plus the 2022 fee schedule and 2023 Proforma Budget.

5. Adjournment: Adjourned to Executive Session at 10:19 a.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Notes: The next Board Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the CLPOC office, beginning at 5:30 p.m.; the next scheduled Board Meeting is at the Highland Haus beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

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

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Let’s Get Social, Canadian Lakes DAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

2nd

2nd 2nd 2nd

WEDNESDAY 1st 3rd

2nd 1st 2nd 3rd

THURSDAY

4th 4th 1st, 3rd

FRIDAY SATURDAY

1st 4th 2nd

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

TIME

ACTIVITY

SEASONAL

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

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

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

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

Treasure Seekers Fishing Fun Night May-Sept.

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

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

Indoor Pool & Fitness Area: 972-2123 (CLOSED on Tuesdays) Lap Swimming: Mon, Wed-Fri 7-8 am Adult Open Swim: Mon, Wed, Fri 9-10 am, Thurs 7-9 am Open Swim: Mon, Wed, Fri 11 am-8 pm, Thurs 7-9 am, Sat, Sun 9 am-8 pm Outdoor Pool/Pines Pavilion: 972-4462 May 28-Sept. 7, 11 am-6 pm Pickleball: Contact: Jeff Butzin 586-599-9684 Legacy Park Daily: 9am - 12pm (Apr.-Oct.) Tennis: Open play daily at all courts (see above for drop-in mixed tennis) Thursday Ladies 9-Hole Golf: Contact: Joellen Tunacik 219-309-5059 jtunacik@comcast.net Ladies 18-Hole Golf: Contact: Rose Groat 231-250-1257 rocketj7@charter.net Euchre Tournament: Contact: Kathy Lawyer 231-972-3054 vklaw@charter.net Alternate contact: Diane Kennedy 231-972-3176 Writer’s Quest: Contact Joyce Wilcox: 734-223-7841, joycewilcox@gmail.com Alternate contact: Griz Holbrook 231-972-1947 grizh@yahoo.com Girl Scout Troop 4788 Club: Contact: Jennifer Cady 231-629-2259 cady-jb@hotmail.com Alpine Haus 4:30pm-6pm meets bi-weekly (Oct.-June) 54

Canadian Lakes Weekly Scheduled Activities

LOCATION

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

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

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

CASUAL & DELICIOUS DINING TAP ROOM AT TULLYMORE & THE GRILLE AT ST. IVES OPEN ALL WINTER

For our latest menus & hours visit TullymoreGolf.com/Dining (800) 972-4837 Golf | Dining | Real Estate | Weddings | Open to the Public

CALENDAR EVENTS of AREA CALENDAR EVENTS of AREA

February

3 FOTA Opening/Exhibit Opening 8 4 Still In Love With The 90’s 6 4-5 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 4-5 Grand Rapids Symphony Presents New World Symphony 5 4-6 CL Players Production 7 8 Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Hamilton 5 10-13 Disney On Ice Presents Mickey & Friends 2 11 Jazz Weekend Concert 3 11 Chris Rock Live 6 12 CLA Winter Carnival 7 12 17th Annual Youth Fishing Derby 7 16 Winter Jazz Concert 1 16 Ghost & Volbeat with special guest Twin Temple 2 18 Winter Jam 2 19 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 19 Collective Soul with special guest Everclear 6 22 CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble Alumni Concert 3 24 CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble Alumni Concert 3 25-26 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 25-27 Grand Rapids Ballet Presents Cinderella 5 26 Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run 2022 Polar Plunge Fundraiser 4 27 FSU Band/Orchestra Concert 1

March

25-26 GR Symphony Presents The Art of Classical Guitar 5 29 Broadway Grand Rapids Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations 5 31 Trombone & Trumpet Ensemble Concert 3

April

1-2 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 5 Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour 2 5 Boston Brass 3 6 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 6 Celtic Woman 5 8 Jim Jefferies 5 9 Live at Night with Free Beer & Hot Wings Morning Show Live 5 9 Chicago Live in Concert 6 10 Jack White 2 12 Percussion Ensemble 3 13 Grand Rapid Griffins 2 14 CMU Choir Concert 3 15 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 16 Santana Blessings and Miracles Tour 6 16 CLA Easter Egg Hunt 7 18 Opera - Gianni Schicchi 3 19 CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble 3 21 Wind Symphony & Symphonic Band 3 22 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 22-23 Opera GR Presents Turandot 5 23 Katt Williams World War III Tour 2 23 Lewis Black: Off The Rails 6 24 Shinedown: the Revolution’s Live Tour 2 INFORMATION IS FROM THE& University Band 3 26 Wind Symphony Chamber FOLLOWING WEBSITES: 28 CMU Symphony Orchestra 3 1.29 Ferris State University www.ferris.edu/arts Theresa Caputo — Live!

The Experience 2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids — vanandelarena.com; 29-30 GR Symphony Presents The Beauty of Spring 5 616-742-6600

1 Tomlin UNITED 2 1 Symphonic Wind Chamber Ensemble & University Band 3 3 Dierks Bentley 2 3 Celebration of Song 3 4-5 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 5 GR Symphony Presents Leslie Odom Jr. 5 3. Central Michigan University — cmich.edu/Calendar 7 CLA Potluck 7 4. Big Rapids area — cityofbr.org, Community Calendar; 2 8 TOOL INFORMATION IS FROM THE 231-796-7640 2 9 Grand Rapids Griffins 5. DeVos Performance WEBSITES: Hall, Grand Rapids — FOLLOWING 11 Grand Rapids Griffins 2 devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500 1. Ferris State University — www.ferris.edu/arts 6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant — 11-12 GR Symphony Presents The Emperor: Beethoven’s 2.

Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids — vanandelarena.com; soaringeaglecasino.com; 888-732-4537 Piano Concertos 5 616-742-6600 7. Canadian Lakes Association — 14 Ben Platt’s The Reverie Tour 2 3. Central Michigan University — cmich.edu/Calendar canadianlakesassociation.org 2 Big Rapids area — cityofbr.org, Community Calendar; 16 Grand Rapids Griffins 8. Art4.Works, Big Rapids-www.artworksinbigrapids.org 231-796-7640 17 Reba 2 5. DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids — 2 18 Grand 52 Rapids Griffins T h e C a n a d i a n L a ke r devosperformancehall.com; 616-742-6500 3 18-19 Opera - Gianni Schicchi 6. Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant — 18-19 GR Symphony Presents The Princess Bride in Concert 5 soaringeaglecasino.com; 888-732-4537 7. Canadian Lakes Association — 19 Casting Crowns 2 canadianlakesassociation.org 22 Alton Brown Live - Beyond the Eats 5 8. Art Works, Big Rapids-www.artworksinbigrapids.org 2 25-27 Monster Jam 56

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