The Birch Islander birchisland@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.
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 Rockburn Dues 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