The Birch Islanderbirchisland@gmail.com; www.birchisland.info
Annual Canoe Race
October, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving
The annual canoe race was held on Labour Day weekend. Special thanks to Johanne and Brett Pollock for continuing to host this fantastic event. There were approximately 30 participants and over 20 boats
participated. Everyone was well fed thanks to Brett Pollack the BBQer! No one left without an award.
If you haven’t participated in this event yet or in a while, mark it in your calendar for September 1st, 2024.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Annual General Meeting was held on August 6th, 2023. Reports were provided by the various committee members. BIRPOA finances are in good shape, trails and library continue to operate effectively. Ry Weisiger was honoured by the membership for his contribution to the Island. Membership approved the naming of the Main Trail to Ry Way. Past members were Vipool Desai and Val Fullard were also recognized. Please see the minutes for more information on the AGM.
The following are your 2024 Executives and
Volunteers.
Kit Wojcik – Volunteer
John Feltmate – Volunteer
Chris Wagner – Volunteer
Dave Perfetti – Volunteer
Rory Gooderham – Past President
Mary Rockburn – Secretary and Treasurer Vice President – Wendy Nuttall
President – Rob Jackett
Other Positions
Library – Bob Cavenagh
Secretary: Vacent
Wildlife – Vacant
Trails – Rob Jackett
Markers
At the AGM it was decided that proper markers needed to be located on the North Side of the Island where dangerous rocks are located. Mary Rockburn and Sean Rockburn installed them on October 4th. Many thanks for this added safety measure.
birchisland@gmail.com; www.birchisland.info
Closing October 14-15
The last weekend for cottagers is October 14-15. Sand Lake Marine asks that all boaters make arrangements with them and have your boats ready to be taken out for winterized not later than the afternoon of the 15th. A reminder to make sure you pay for any additional parking that you used for the season.
Membership Contributions
Annual contributions remain at $50.00. Your contributions help BIRPOA do the things that help build our community. Our goal is to have
every cottage owner contribute to these costs. If you haven’t already done so please send your contributions to the following. e-transfer anytime – send to
birchisland@gmail.com. Code word is cottage. Financial Update – From Mary RockburnDues collected from 32 cottagers. Present Balance-$3764.50
Fall Expenses-
$322.05 FOCA renewal
$73.55 Supplies
$130.00 AGM picnic
$120.00 Canoe Race Picnic
$331.07 Safety Buoy Supplies
Update on Trails – Rob Jackett Trails have been reopened through the eastern part of the island. Trail parallel to the meadow (Johnny’s way) find the Vauxall and head east, connects back to the meadow. Side trail behind cottage 8,9,10,12 parts 157 and 160 (Deer run trail). Try them out.
The initiative on the Trail Lands Rights of Way continues. We hope to have the transfer completed by year end.
Library – Bob Cavenagh
The Birch Island Branch Library. (It was originally surrounded by a branch before Hydro had its way.)
Lots of contributed books, puzzles, games, cd/dvd roms. Maintained by volunteers, but everyone is welcome to lend a hand. We love to receive good books–but NO tired leftovers that should go elsewhere. And ‘Library Plaza’ is a nice place to meet or to take a break while walking the trails. Want to help? Reshelve! Full size books and big paperbacks only go on the back wall, alphabetized by 1. Author’s LAST name, 2. FIRST name, then 3. Titles alphabetically. Smaller paperbacks only go in the smaller shelves provided on the right-hand wall. Children’s books on the front wall, along with some specialty items. PUZZLES: on top only, never in bookshelves. CD/DVDs: two shelves among paperbacks ONLY.
Volunteers will close it just after Thanksgiving and it will open again in the spring.
Priorities for 2024
• Transfer of trail lands
• Update by-laws to be ONCA compliant
• Fill vacant volunteer positions
• Finalize official Library use with the Weisigers and Cavenaghs
• Opening welcome event
• Change AGM to a more timely online form
On Behalf of your Board of Directors and Volunteers, Rob Jackett
The annual BIRPOA general meeting (AGM) and a picnic/reunion will take place on August 6 at 11 am at cottage 96. All Birch Islanders (and guests) are welcome. Do come, and bring chairs. Burgers and dogs, soft drinks and water, etc. are provided and you need bring nothing–but if you want to show off a hot recipe, feel free to do so….
Docking will be tight at #96, so walk if you can, or ferry folks to the cottage and dock elsewhere. See below.
June 21 is the first day of Summer. Our last image was from December, of a maple leaf using solar energy to melt lake ice. Today’s ‘header’ is rather different.
With all the recent talk about AI (artificial intelligence) I thought it might be fun to try something new. I took a picture of Sand Lake–a panorama–from our dock, then used a new feature in Photoshop called GENERATIVE FILL to type the names of objects to add to the scene. Totally fictitious, but kind of fun. I hope you are amused!
Greetings to all BIRPOA Members and Birch Islanders:
As the cold temperatures and snow sets in and our boats, lawnchairs and umbrellas are safely stowed away, it might be a good time start thinking about how we did in 2022 and what to look forward to next year.
Members of the executive Board of Directors and committees elected at the AGM at the end of July are posted on our website. Amendments to BIRPOA’s Constitution/By-Laws were adopted at the AGM and this allows for up to nine (9) directors and as many volunteers as are willing to contribute. The amendments were brought forward with the intent to include as many Islanders as possible. BIRPOA renews itself annually and we are always looking for new people.
If you are interested in contributing to things such as: organizing social events, maintaining our trails; helping with our website and library, please get into touch.
Communication is another priority. How to keep in touch with everyone. Facebook seems to be most appropriate at this time and there will be more on this soon.
Some of what happened in 2022
First, Notes of thanks
In the spirit of the season, we would like to note our appreciation to Sherry & Dave for hosting the Annual Picnic/AGM again in 2022 and to Johanne & Brett for organizing the 47th annual canoe race. Thanks also to the directors and volunteers both past and present for their contributions. A special note of thanks to our past president, Bob Cavenagh for his leadership and steady hand on the till over the past three years while we all tried to figure out what to do during a pandemic.
Spongy Moth Infestation Averted
Due to natural causes and the aerial spaying this spring, the return of those insidious spongy moth caterpillars (formerly called gypsy moths) was not a problem in 2022. Birch Island has a long history with these pests going back to the mid- 80’s. There have been infestations roughly every 10 years but by most accounts the 2021 infestation was the worst. Annual monitoring will help prevent the return of a major infestation. More on this in the spring.
birchisland@gmail.com; www.birchisland.info
July Fireworks Spectacular
Fireworks presented by our friends at Sand Lake Marine were marvellous this year. Folks at the marina would like our encouragement and contributions to keep it going. Would it be good to include an event for Islanders to celebrate our national holidays in July?
Hydro Easement Maintenance
Late in the summer, forestry crews came through the hydro easement to trim branches and cut dead trees that could damage the lines. This is welcome maintenance but there seemed to be little or no notice. At least one islander had problems with what was done and after some effort contacting Bell/Hydro, a crew was dispatched to fix.
Membership – How are we doing?
There were 36 members recorded as present at the end of July AGM. Paid memberships for 2022 were 34.
The modest annual fee of $50.00 helps BIRPOA to maintain the inland trails, purchase liability insurance, pay for membership to FOCA the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations, manage our website, contribute to various events and other activities.
Membership contributions can be made by e-transfer anytime – send an email to birchisland@gmail.com. It’s not too late to contribute is you haven’t so far.
Members & Islanders Directory
The annual directory including the names, phone numbers and addresses was distributed at the AGM. Information in the directory is an important benefit not only to let you know who your neighbours are but also to have contacts for assistance or to check on your property when you are not there. The directory is for the private use of BIRPOA Members and Birch Island residents. We would like o make the directory available to all Islanders early next spring. If, for any reason, you do not want your information included, please contact us at birchisland@gmail.com.
Volunteers
Participation in the various working groups and committees is greatly appreciated. We would like to tap into the knowledge, experience and expertise of our members. If you are a techie, planner, gardener, forester, carpenter, labourer, newsletter writer, baker & candlestick maker, we can use you.
Our Website:- www.birchisland.info
Regular Updates and expansion of our website content to include items from the old site along with new content and information is a high priority. If you have ideas on items/resources you would like to see, please get in touch. We are looking for one or more web savvy individuals to help keep our website dynamic and interesting. If you might be interested, please contact Bob Cavenagh: cavenaghr@gmail.com
Trail Maintenance
If not for the efforts of many islanders over the years, our trails would have become an impassable tangle of trees and branches long ago. Special thanks to our Trail Boss, Ry Weisiger, for all the work he has done over the years. Ry needs your help to keep the trails clear and safe. Taking care of the section of the trail outside your property is good place to start. Reporting down trees and other hazards is also greatly appreciated.
A note about Interior Lands
Please note that the interior lands are all privately owned by Islanders with one or two exceptions. Removal of trees/firewood, soil, rocks or other materials cannot be done without the permission of the property owner. Names of interior property owners will be included in the next directory. Please send an email to birchisland@gmail.com for more information.
The Branch Library
Our treasured library owned and operated on behalf of all Islanders by Bob, Susan, Ry and Kathleen. Many thanks to those who have helped sort books and keeping things in order. A trip to the Library on a pleasant day is wonderful destination and great way to see the island interior.
More Social Events?
The annual canoe/kayak race around the island is back. It’s fun and can be done at your own pace. Competitive only if you want to be competitive. The annual general meeting is becoming an annual picnic.
Do we want to add more events to the summer calendar. These events are a great way to make new friends, have a bite to eat and find out what’s going on around the island. Perhaps an event on Canada Day to celebrate our national holidays before the fireworks at Sand Lake Marine.
The initiative on the Trail Lands Rights of Way
Access to the trails, perhaps our main raison d’etre, should not be taken for granted. Having properly defined legal access to the trails attached to your property is a valuable asset. A first group of property owners partially secured their rights a few years ago. There is more to do and a second and hopefully final attempt is being organized. A separate mailing with more information will be going out next Spring.
Parks Canada Rideau Waterway, Township of Rideau Lakes, Provincial and Federal Governments
A small group was formed to help monitor the various levels of government and ministries that can have a direct impact on our rights and enjoyment of our properties on Birch Island. Monitoring, participating and providing feedback on the development of such things as the Rideau Canal Management Plan, the Rideau Lakes Lake Association Committee (RLLAC) are things this group can keep watch on. Please get in touch, if you would like to participate.
We Want to Hear from You
The strength of any organization is based on its members. The Birch Island association has been in existence for 50 years and counting. What we can do for our members is important going forward. A virtual late winter meeting is being planned. We would like to talk about what we are doing and hear from you about what you would like to see from your Lake Association.
That’s all for now.
On Behalf of your Board of Directors and Volunteers,
The 2022 cottage season is beginning. The marina has most of our boats in the water–but call to check about yours. And if you are contemplating a new boat, be sure to check with them to make sure it actually will fit in your slip. (613-359-5612)
Tree-damaging Gypsy/LDD moths are also in season. A number of islanders have signed up for aerial spraying and we will pass on information about the times for that as soon as we learn them. You may wish to stay inside at the time of spraying but the spray itself–BTK–is considered quite safe for humans. When you do get to the cottage, check your trees for signs of the little critters. The biological pesticides mentioned include a form of BTK that we can buy at Rona/Home Hardware/Home Depot, etc. under the name SAFER BTK. It is not expensive. It is a concentrate that makes a lot of working solution that can be applied with a common garden sprayer. If you want to do this, it is wise to buy some soon lest supplies get depleted as they did last year. There are also other things to help, like banding your treees with burlap or duct tape bands to make moths gather overnight–you can destroy them after that. There is a great deal of info on the web, including on our own website, https://birchisland.info/your-cottage/. The members of the association Executive Committee have put a great deal of effort into telling about spraying options and helping those who wish to spray with the process. In particular I want to mention Mary Rockburn, Val Fullard, Rory Gooderham, and Vipool Desai for their efforts. Here is a timetable of moth activity:
‘BIRPOA’–The Birch Island Residential Property Owners Association (or simply the Birch Island Association) is dedicated to doing things to promote the well-being of the island and our cottagers. The Executive Committee is the group that makes things happen, along with other volunteers. We keep the trails cleared, the library running, create and support events, count loons and watch other wildlife, maintain a website, monitor water quality, link to local and provincial government and other associations, and have done so for over 50 years. We do ask folks to pay $50 dues, which are used only to support the island–not a penny goes to Executive members personally–and a message on dues for this year will soon follow.
We also need new Exec members and general volunteers. Thanks to covid, some of us have been in our roles a bit too long and want to leave or to rotate to other assignments, and we always seek new people and ideas. Two folks new to the island are joining us: Rob Jackett and Wendy Nuttall. and others are very welcome. The way we encourage people to join: come to a few meetings (electronically, early in the season, in person later) and see what roles might appeal to you. In addition to the Executive Committee, Rory Gooderham is looking for some volunteers to participate in a committee to deal with the Rideal Authority/Parks Canada; we made a strong pitch for cottager voices to be heard in addition to those of n and financial interests. We won an invitation to send a rep and Rory agreed to do that. We also always want volunteers to help with the library, and we have a new proposal to create a social committee (aka the Party Animals) to help with summer activities. There are other possibilities, too.
The trails have for years been maintained by ‘Trail Boss’ Ry Weisiger, cutting the grass first with a push mower and more recently with a small tractor, and taking a chainsaw to miscreant branches. and with help from several islanders including Chris Wagner, Dave Perfetti, members of the Horton family, and by Andy Shaw, who recently left the island. Rob Jackett, a new owner of the Shaw cottage, has volunteered to take over Andy’s role. If you see problems on the trail, do contact Ry.
The trails themselves have complex ownership and rights of way have been a topic for several years. John Feltmate, siad to be the longest cottage owner on the island, is both our informal historian and the person to ask about trail issues, along with Rory.
Drinking water is always a question for new cottagers and we have conducted periodic surveys of both lake and cottage water. If you have questions on this score, just ask me.
Last year we held an All Island Reunion for everyone on the island no matter if they were active members of the association or not. Around 50 folks showed up and we have deemed the event a success to be repeated. Dave Perfetti and his wife Sherry Mills prepared their lovely lot in Limestone Bay and it made a simply wonderful venue. Exec members brought food and drink, and particularly noteworthy Indian food from a fine restaurant in Toronto was brought by Vipool Desai and Laura. Others brought drinks, ice cream, veggies, and ‘Frito pie.”
We plan to have additional events during the coming summer, including a traditional Paddle the Island Race, once done only with canoes but nowadays with kayaks and paddleboards as well.
Each year we update a list of islanders and have traditionally distributed it to members at the AGM. Last year we gave them to everyone at the Reunion, and copies remain available. We have an updated version in the works. These are always distributed as PRINTED copies for security reasons.
Other news: Thanks in large part to a gift from the Milner family, we have a large number of historical island newsletters and other items. Cooped up because of covid, Rory has made a major effort to digitize these and you will see bits in future newsletters, while they will all be posted to the website. And over the winter, Mary Rockburn painted and refurbished the library:
Finally, last year the Executive agreed to look at several issues: reviewing our overall mission with a view to concentrating on a few major issues, revising the committee’s organizational structure, including job descriptions and terms of office, representation at external organizations, best means of communicating, and the creation of a revised constitution, all by the 2022 Reunion/AGM.
Expect updates periodically throughout the year!
Happy summer, everyone,
Bob Cavenagh
on behalf of, and with much gratitude to, the Executive Committee
From the Executive Committee of the Birch Island Residential Property Owners Association (BIRPOA)
The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to forego our usual in-person Annual General Meeting. As a safer alternative, we are providing this email and web based report on activities and seeking your responses, by email, using the comment option below. Since the AGM is traditionally held Sunday morning of the August long weekend, we are keeping up the tradition by sending this message at that same time.
Minutes of the 2019 AGM Sunday, August 4th 2019 (Rory Gooderham):
Members of the Executive Committee present: Rory Gooderham Secretary/President, Bob Cavenagh Vice- President, Vipool Desai Treasurer, Ry Weisiger Director-Trails, John Feltmate Rights of Way Regrets: Brett Cavanagh Past President
Welcome: Rory Gooderham welcomed everyone to the meeting and following tradition, asked members present to introduce themselves.
Thanks to Brett Cavanagh: Rory advised that Brett Cavenagh was concluding his term as President/Past President and noted that his contributions over the years in a number of roles are greatly appreciated
Memorials: Carole McKewen, Bill Davis, Louis Monton and Paul Simpson were remembered as cottage owners and contributors during their time on the island.
Minutes of previous AGM held August 5th, 2018: Were adopted as presented.
Treasurer’s Report: Vipool Desai referred to his Treasurer’s report which had been circulated to members in advance of the meeting. Funds at the beginning of 2018-2019 fiscal year were $3,455; membership revenue was $1,645 representing 40 members. Total expenses were $1,366 resulting in a surplus of $3,734 at year-end July 31st, 2019.
Island Issues and Interests:
Lake Association – Township of Rideau Lakes: Rory noted that BIRPOA was able to participate in the Township’s Lake Association Grant program and received a grant of $947.00 to assist with operations.
Marina Issues: As always, a note of thanks to the folks at Sand Lake Marine for all they do for us. It is important that we all observe speed limits for safety and to reduce dust. Cottagers should use only the lower road and park carefully to make room for others. Dog droppings need to be bagged and removed – not placed in the Go Hut.
Water Safety: There was a quick review of basics including keeping appropriate distance from docks and swimmers, the importance of proper lighting on boats at night. Reducing ‘light pollution’ was also brought forward
Septic Pumping: Vipool noted recent experiences including the costs. Group rates for this service work are available which will benefit cottagers who need this service.
Group Wi-fi: Stephen Reid noted that he was in process of making arrangements with a local supplier for Wi-fi services that could also be made available to other cottagers in need. Unfortunately it was found that group rates were not being offered and it is back to the drawing board.
Reports
Library: Bob Cavenagh indicated that helpers are always needed. Ideally teenage kids to provide guidance on book titles for younger readers. As always, donations of thoughtful, current and quality titles are welcome. A signup list was circulated.
Trails: Ry Weisiger noted that for the most part the trails are in good condition and asked members to report any concerns they find so they can be taken care of. The culverts at the causeway were also beginning to collapse and this may require the area to be closed in the future. Cottagers were advised to take care whenever using the trials.
Your Water System from Lake to Tap: Bob Cavenagh went through a demonstration of pumps, filters and various water purification systems. It was agreed that the information for both old and new cottagers was very useful.
Power Outages: John Feltmate noted the importance of calling hydro if the power goes out. The more calls the better to encourage hydro crews to fix
Canoe Race Returns!: It was announced that the annual boat race would return on September 1st, 2019, hosted by the Pollocks at Lot 70.
Nominations and Election of Executive Committee Positions for 2019-20.
President: Bob Cavenagh (current VP)
Vice President: Vacant-no nomination received
Past President: Rory Gooderham
Treasurer: Vipool Desai (current Treasurer)
Secretary Rory Gooderham (second role)
Director for Trails Ry Weisiger
Director for Library Bob Cavenagh (extra task)
Director for Rights of Way John Feltmate & Rory Gooderham
Directors at Large Dave Perfetti, Chris Wagner (Mary Rockburn was subsequently appointed)
There being no further nominations, the members’ nominated above were elected by show of hands.
Other business:
There was discussion about property tax re-assessments, how to do them and whether they are worthwhile. Parking improvements at the marina were also discussed.
August 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, including most recent bank statement
AGM 2019 Balance Carried $3,733.99
Credits Membership Fees $ 440.00
(2019 paid after AGM)
Township Grant $ 927.00
TOTAL CREDITS $1,367.00
Debits E&O/ D&O Insurance $ (908.28)
FOCA Membership $ (282.50)
gas payment to Ry Weisiger $ (200.00)
Web hosting $ (169.68)
Sign posts $ (25.00)
TOTAL DEBITS $ 1,585.46
June 30, 2020 Balance on Account $ 3,515.53
Note that we did not collect dues for 2020, to help with coronavirus impacts.
President’s Report 2020 (Bob Cavenagh) The coronavirus pandemic has taken a heavy toll on many people, some physically, others with major disruptions to their lives. The Executive Committee has wanted to help make the Birch Island experience as pleasant and safe as possible. We cancelled dues for the year; while $40 is almost a symbolic amount, it was something we could do. We have been forced to close the library to comply with Ontario guidelines (though we may try to have a brief opening late in the year so books can be returned). We have switched to this ‘virtual’ alternative to the AGM.
Executive members have met repeatedly, including Zoom meetings hosted by Dave Perfetti.
We drafted and helped circulate a petition to the Township to improve Sand Lake Road; it has received a favorable response but we will need to see what happens.
We have launched a new web site that will grow over time. It is sensitive to the device you use, so it automatically appears in different forms on computers, tablets and phones. More on that in a bit.
It has become clear that the Constitution needs to be revamped. Last revised in 2012, we need to ensure it is sensitive to things like the pandemic, and we need to redefine roles and terms of Officers and Directors, among other things. That will be part of the 2021 agenda.
Speaking of the Officers and Directors: sadly, it is not really feasible to conduct a proper election in email; additionally we have not found new candidates for those roles (we are also operating without a Vice President). The current folks have conceded that we should maintain our roles through 2021 and hope for new folks at that time. More on this later.
We normally have a report on the condition of the island trails from ‘Trail Boss’ Ry Weisiger. That can’t happen, because Ry, like other US citizens and some from other provinces, has been unable to come to Canada. Chris Wagner reports that the lack of rain has helped keep the grass on the western end trails somewhat in check. Some island folks have mowed parts of the trails. We also have a suggestion that it may be desirable to bring in some heavy equipment to clear and widen trails next year; that is certainly an agenda item.
John Feltmate has conducted a long-running process to insure that members can secure legal rights to use the island trails. Quite a number of hiccups and legal glitches were discovered during Round 1; a number of folks participated at that time. John plans to set up Round 2 in 2021 for newcomers and those who did not participate originally. Rory Gooderham is joining him in this effort.
Chris Wagner has proposed several interesting ideas to promote Birch Island, even creating things like caps and other merchandise (I have long fancied creating an informal poster sized map).
Residents have suggested organizing both a large-item trash pickup and a brush-chipping arrangement to help clear some of the extensive brush piles left by Hydro and other activities.
We do not currently have wildlife reporters and would like to change that. We have often held loon counts and like to monitor their activities and hatches. We could use volunteers. Chris Wagner reports a family of four barred owls at the west end of the island. Who else can report sightings of various critters?
Finally, gypsy moths have become a matter of concern in areas near Sand Lake. I have heard no reports of serious infestations on the island itself; these moths are always present but erupt into large outbreaks periodically. We will need to monitor this. Most contemporary solutions seem to involve homeowners taking action when excess moths are found.
(This ends my formal report. RWC)
–The new website at birchisland.info became necessary because the previous version didn’t adapt well to evolutions in the devices we use. The original site, a beautiful thing, was created by John Curley using his extensive tech skills, but when he left the island a new approach was needed. Brett Cavanagh took over and crafted the very important intermediate site that is now being replaced. My son Rob Cavenagh created our new site using a package called WordPress. This is a widely used and highly regarded web vehicle we hope will serve us for years. At this time we are working on reinstalling some of the traditional pages from the Curley site. Mary Rockburn is working with others to craft a list of formal and casual ‘contractors’ to help with tasks at our cottages. We want to do much more. We need ‘content,’ and would love to have a web pro on board.
We will soon launch a new web category called “Island Life”. Its header is already on the website and now we need your help to flesh it out. It will include galleries of interesting photos from all over the island and lake: scenic images, to be sure, but also personal and family images. AND, I want to encourage islanders to think about and write brief ‘stories’ about life on the island. AND on the lake. Sand Lake is, of course, a primary focus for many of us. We want your submissions!
In addition, there are facebook pages for Birch Island and Sand Lake, and an Instagram page.
–We face a perennial challenge in recruiting folks to participate in the Island Executive. This means a number of folks wind up playing repeating roles. There are no perks or benefits other than joining a group that is tuned to island life and intent on maintaining and improving it, but the group is congenial. (Presidents of cottage associations have said that their hardest task is always recruiting their own replacements…) While we met remotely, via email, telephone, and Zoom this year, we much prefer to have all meetings face-to-face and hope we will soon be able to resume doing so. Think about joining us ….
We also have a library group–which has not needed to be active this year.
-We are very interested in hearing what islanders would like from the Association.
Enough from us. Use the COMMENTS link to respond. We’d love to hear your comments, and will tell you how to send pictures and stories!
We have a tradition of serving ice cream cones at the end of AGM meetings. If you are so inclined, go to your fridge and….
Our best to you, and our hopes and wishes for a safe and virus-free future: Bob Cavenagh, Vipool Desai, John Feltmate, Rory Gooderham, Dave Perfetti, Mary Rockburn, Chris Wagner, Ry Weisiger
We hit the solstice yesterday evening and now official summer is upon us. I hope and believe it will be a good one on Birch Island. There has been some nice weather (sometimes TOO nice) and the lake and our island are as beautiful as ever. But…the coronovirus lingers and continuing thoughtful behavior will be needed for some time, including physical distancing and self-quarantine for some.
We are obligated to keep the island library closed for now. Hold on to books to check in and to donations.
We most probably can’t hold the AGM in early August. September may be an option. We will send updates.
Folks from outside Canada, particularly US cottagers like me, are still unable to enter the country. Frustrating, but reasonable. And travel between some provinces is still limited.
In addition, many folks have felt financial stress because of the virus. Jobs lost, extra expenses, shortages of common items: all take a toll.
Reflecting on all of this, the BIRPOA Executive has decided to eliminate association dues for this year. While the $40 is hardly a large sum–less that a meal for two in many ordinary restaurants–we want to do our own small part to ease the pressures we all feel. In addition, we extend one year’s free membership to all Birch Islanders who would like it.
(We try to maintain a reserve fund against ‘rainy days,’ and we feel the coronavirus counts. We have enough left to pay for insurance and make some contributions to island events.)
Wishing you all the best, Bob Cavenagh, BIRPOA President, 2020
birchisland@gmail.com website:birchisland.info
