MEGA kudos to Dave and Sherry for their magnificent site preparation and hosting of our 2022 Reunion/AGM!

It was a great success this year, with burgers and hot dogs being served up by Rob Jackett, with salads, cookies, cakes, and Kit’s bountiful and popular shortcake!

We congratulate Rory Gooderham on his election to the Presidency for the coming year, and to Rob Jackett for his election to/acceptance of, the Presidential cycle of three years.

Thanks also are due to all those whose continued involvement and engagement keeps our association humming!

The membership has made the following decisions at the AGM

At this year’s AGM we made a commitment to approach and press both the Township and the Rideau Authority to take some sort of action to remediate issues with Sand Lake septic systems (including those on Birch Island) that are dumping raw or partly processed sewage into the lake that provides drinking water for many of us.

Rory and Rob have undertaken constitutional/organizational changes to bring us into compliance with Ontario’s new Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NOCA) which is required by 2024.

We have added a new section to the website: Birch Merch! (see the menu bar) Yes, now you can get custom-designed t-shirts and mugs to represent our beautiful island!

You are invited to the Second Annual ALL ISLAND REUNION on July 31, 2022. The fun begins at 11 am, at #33 in Limekiln Bay.

Grills and burgers, hot dogs, sausages, soft drinks and water will be provided, as well as plates and cutlery. Feel free to bring a dish to share: salad, dessert, etc. (Susan will bring her mother’s ‘famous’ potato salad….)

Some small lawn games will be set up for kids (bocce ball, cornhole, etc.)

The reunion is sponsored by BIRPOA, your Island Association and by your membership dues — thank-you!

Not a member? NOOO Problem! We want as many folks to come as possible. And we really hope everyone WILL attend. It is a time to see old friends, make new friends, and to see what is happening on and around the island. (If you have guests–bring ’em) We had a great time last year.

We will hold a very brief business meeting (AGM), which will include news, election of association Directors, and voting on a revised Constitution. (link here)

Date: 
July 31, 11am-1pm (rain date: Aug 1, 11am-1pm)

Place: 
Cottage #33 in Limekiln Bay.

And bring folding chairs.

Arrive on foot, by canoe or kayak, or have yourself dropped off by boat–dock space is limited.

UPDATE THURS FEB 16

The deadline for applications is fast approaching (Feb 28)! If you have applied but haven’t heard back, it’s likely because the company handling the logistics is processing a very large number of applications. We have been told that our area is a “hot zone” which means we’ll likely make it onto the mapping for spraying. There will be 2 spray applications spaced 7 days apart.

We have added the slide show from the Zoom meeting to the page on LDD/Gypsy Moths.

Thursday January 27^th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. eastern.

Last summer, many of us on Birch Island witnessed the complete loss of leaves from some of our favourite trees, thousands of caterpillars crawling everywhere and frass raining down from the trees. 

 Most of our trees should recover in 2022 but there are serious concerns that repeated infestations could cause lasting damage to our island.

 BIRPOA, your lake association, is preparing an information session on Gypsy Moth (now called LDD Moth) Infestations.  Topics will include:

·   What are LDD moths and how did they get here;

·   What harms do they cause;

·   What can we do about it – the benefits of spraying and other preventions

·   Environmental concerns: spraying vs tree destruction

All islanders are invited to this important Zoom session to be held:

Thursday January 27^th, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. eastern.

Please plan to connect with us.

 An invitation including a Zoom link will be sent a few days before the session. You will need to download the Zoom app ahead of the meeting. (There is no charge) .https://zoom.us

HELLO BIRCH ISLANDERS! 

You are invited to an ALL ISLAND REUNION on September 5. (Rain date Sept 6) 11 am, at #33 in Limekiln Bay.

The reunion is sponsored by BIRPOA, your Island Association.

Not a member? NOOO Problem. We want as many folks to come as possible.

After the long restrictions of COVID, it’s high time to see old friends, meet new neighbors, and share island life. Our US islanders have finally been able to return to the island after nearly 2 years away and there’s lots to catch up on.The reunion is all about getting people together, but we have also worked up an interesting and varied menu of easy to carry foods that you can pick up, walk around with while talking. We will have:

• Samosas, that wonderful Indian delight, a baked pastry with savory filling
• Chicken Tikka: chicken bits that have been baked with an interesting mix of spices.
• Walkaround Frito Pie:  a small bag of Fritos, opened and filled with chili, to which one can add cheese, sour cream, etc. 
• Pasta salad in a cup. No explanation needed here!
• Carrot sticks, celery, etc.
• Ice cream cones – an annual tradition
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Water and soft drinks

Do bring chairs. Arrive on foot, or by kayak or canoe, or get dropped off by boat (but docking will be very scarce). Guests that weekend? Sure, bring ’em.

We will hold a very brief business (AGM) meeting with news, small reports, and an election.

RSVP by text to 519-200-8519 or click here.

We really hope to see you there!