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The August 2002Newsletter


FOURTH OF JULY BOAT PARADE--BIG IN SPIRIT--SMALL IN NUMBER

We had more spectators and judges than boats! Four boats joined the competition for best decorated boat. A few undecorated boats joined the parade as it circled the lake. Even if you don't want to decorate your boat, it is fun for everyone to see lake residents in their boats in this once-a-year event. Just wave and yell "hi" to your neighbors as you go by--hope to see all of you in the parade next year--decorated or undecorated!

Thanks to the judges: Tina Rooks, Rosalind Monsma, Erica VanDyke and Pat Wolters. Katie Lane took pictures.

FIRST PLACE: THE LOWELL FAMILY

Russ and his family put a lot of thought and work into their float. A reminder of 9/11--a pontoon disguised as a fire truck together with real fireman outfits. Awesome!

SECOND PLACE: THE LANE FAMILY

Pat Lane, the bow-riding Statute of Liberty, and 6 flag-flying participants yelled patriotic chants while circling the lake. Strange but original!

THIRD PLACE: THE SWIDWINSKI FAMILY

It's always hard to beat a big sailboat with red/white/blue flags. Nice job--it can't be easy putting those flags up so high!

FOURTH PLACE: MYSTERY FAMILY

This boat didn't check in with the judges, so we are not sure who you are. A red & white boat filled with very enthusiastic, cheering participants!


BIG THANKS!

The fireworks display was made possible because we had lots of volunteers putting together and taking apart the rafts. Volunteers were: Gary Beuschel, Bill Barenbroek, Carl Elliott, Robby Butler, Karel Wolters, Jerry Kurlenda, Buzz Holtvluwer, Joe Hanna, Greg Reyburn, Kent Reyburn, Chuck Lane, Gary Noble, Brad Jones, Terry Evans. Also, thanks to Pat and Karel Wolters for coordination of the entire project; Bill Rexford, Chuck Lane, and Harley Barrs for use of their property for the fireworks volunteers; Chuck Lane for raft placement.

Thanks to Phil Averill who donated his old pontoon to the lake association. We can use parts from it to build another raft.

Even though we had $500 more for fireworks this year, the consensus of the residents was the show ended too quickly. The problem was that the fireworks company did not time the shots far enough apart. This is unfortunate because there were many unusual and beautiful shots. CLA will discuss this problem with the fireworks company so next year's show will last at least 15 minutes. We are still taking donations for next year's fireworks. If you enjoy the fireworks display, please contribute. If we do not receive $2,500, there will be no show next year.


ELECTION OF 2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR CROCKERY LAKE ASSN.

At the July CLA board meeting, the following board members were elected to positions as follows:

Pat Wolters, President
John Thornton, Vice-President
Secretary, Lesha Gustin
Treasurer, Don Shuker
Buzz Holtvluwer, Trustee
Dan Zimmerman, Trustee
Brian Strayer, Trustee
Randy Keena, Trustee (filing remainder of term of Linda Lane)

The board would like to warmly welcome Randy Keena on the 2003 Board. Randy and his family have resided on Crockery Lake for almost 2 years. They love living out here.

Brian Strayer will be the board representative handling Sue Wobma's route
Randy Keena will be the board representative handling Linda Lane's route.


FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS OF CLA

All lake residents have an open invitation to attend any CLA board meetings. Board meetings are always the third Monday of each month. The location varies.

August: Grose Park, Forest Pavilion;
September: John Thornton's house;
October: Don Shuker's house;
November & December: no board meetings
February: Randy Keena's house
March: Pat Wolters' house
April: Brian Strayer's house


WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR NEWSLETTER SENT VIA E-MAIL?

If you would like your newsletter sent by e-mail instead via hand delivery, please call Brian Strayer at 887-1001. There would be a savings to the association by doing so.


THIS MONTH!!!!! CLA RUMMAGE SALE - AUGUST 24 & 25, 2002
8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

100% Of Profits Go To 2003 Fireworks Fund!!!
Larry Edmonds has again generously volunteered to be in charge of this project. Larry will pick up items if necessary on August 22. You must call him ahead of time to make arrangements at 899-2914. A donations form is attached for you to start a list of the items you will donate. Have the donation sheet signed by a CLA representative and use it as a write-off on next year's tax return.


JULY 2002 BOAT COUNT ON CROCKERY LAKE

Boat Type - Number
Speed - 28 (down from 33)
Pontoon -36 (up from 29)
PWC -18 (up from 14)
Fishing (under 35 h.p.) -15 (up from 11)
Canoe -6
Paddle Boats -32
Sail -3 (same)
TOTAL -138 (up from 90)
canoes & paddleboats not counted in 2001


STOLEN!! On the evening of July 3, a 14' Alumicraft fishing boat, Shorelander trailer, and 15 hp Johnson motor were stolen from the Reinbold residence on VanDyke. (update: found later at St. Francis Church stripped and motor gone)

Several persons who have left their trucks with trailers at the landing reported "hit and run" damage to their vehicles......


FOR SALE: 12.5 foot Minnow Paddle Cruiser, White River Mfg., Wisconsin. Mercury 6.0 h.p. This is a small pontoon boat. Great for cruising, fishing, sitting and enjoying the lake and scenery or anything you desire. $2,700. Call 899-5402.


LOWELL-DOWN ON FISHING

I wish I had some good news to tell you--but I don't. Fishing has been real slow. Haven't boated much at all this month. And people I have talked to agree that this is the worst fishing season they have seen. I still think that the reason for this is the water temperature getting too warm too quick, compounded by the fact that the lake was sprayed for weeds. A lot of people noted hardly any bed activity this spring, so it looks like most of the big game fish have gone to deeper water. Small gills are still being caught, but most fishermen have not caught any nice bass or pike. Keep plugging away and I'll see you on the waters.
Fishing Tip: Fish that were caught were caught with black or chartreuse, long-arm buzz baits


NEWS FROM AROUND THE LAKE................

Condolences to the Bud DeWeerd Family. Bud passed away July 16. A long-time lake resident, he volunteered his pontoon for many CLA activities. He will be missed.

Get Well Wishes To: Eugene VanMaldegan; Mrs. Roberts

Second weed treatment was July 23, 2002. Several pontoon boats ventured out on the lake that evening. Remember, there is an ordinance against going out on the lake or swimming for 24 hours after a weed treatment. Violators could be subject to a $500 fine. Questions: Call Chester Township Zoning Administrator.


TO-DO'S FOR AUGUST:

Empty your campfire of ashes and dispose of away from the lake.

Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They will decompose, providing nitrogen for your lawn.

Keep your grass at least 3 inches high. Taller grass has deeper roots, so it tolerates dry conditions.

Animal wastes contain nutrients as well as bacteria. Pick up after your pets and dispose of the wastes in the toilet, or bury it in your yard.

Sweep paved areas instead of hosing them down.


IT'S TIME AGAIN TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK(S)!

For the past three years, CLA has negotiated a special group rate for septic pumping with VanDyke & Myers. Each year, more residents are taking advantage of the reduced price.
1998-15;1999-20; 2000 (number not available); 2001-27.

Spring and Fall are the most advantageous times to pump your septic to help keep any seepage from entering Crockery Lake. But any time is better than not at all! Sewer seepage is a major cause of nutrient loading to the lake, which creates more weeds and adversely affects water clarity.

We will be running the Pumptitude Honor Roll for all of you who have your septic pumped from January 2002 through October 2002. VanDyke & Myers reports the residents below who have pumped their systems. To help keep the lake clean and keep your septic systems working properly you should have your septic tanks pumped each year.

VanDyke & Myers group pumping price:
Discount prices for Crockery Lake Residents:
1 tank (you dig cover) $100
2 tanks (you dig cover) $125
1 tank (they dig cover) $125
2 tanks (they dig cover) $150

Call them at 899-2324. You will need to let them know you are from Crockery Lake to get the discount. They would also appreciate it, if possible, if you could tell them your tank capacity.

PS: You can help the wear on your septic tank by renting a porta-potty for large parties at your home, or for $300 you can rent one for the entire summer!

PUMPTITUDE HONOR ROLL

Lane
B. VanTuinen
King
Elliott
Phelps
Wert
Kenna
Brochek
D. VanTuinen
Reinbold
Yowtz
Dutkiewicz
Nusbaum
Holtvluwer
Deke
Wobma
Robbins
Rayburn
Prus
Block


BOATING VIOLATIONS

According to Michigan Boating Laws:

Jet skis are to be off the water 1 hour before sunset.
No wake for all boats starts 1 hour after sunset.
Well, what time is that? It changes a little every day. Below is sunset times for August:

8-1 8:06 p.m. 8-2 8:05 p.m. 8-3 8:03 p.m. 8-4 8:02 p.m.
8-5 8:01 p.m. 8-6 8:00 p.m. 8-7 7:58 p.m. 8-8 7:57 p.m.
8-9 7:56 p.m. 8-10 7:54 p.m. 8-11 7:53 p.m. 8-12 7:51 p.m.
8-13 7:50 p.m. 8-14 7:49 p.m. 8-15 7:47 p.m. 8-16 7:46 p.m.
8-17 7:44 p.m. 8-18 7:43 p.m. 8-19 7:41 p.m. 8-20 7:40 p.m.
8-21 7:38 p.m. 8-22 7:36 p.m. 8-23 7:35 p.m. 8-24 7:33 p.m.
8-25 7:37 p.m. 8-26 7:36 p.m. 8-27 7:34 p.m. 8-28 7:27 p.m.
8-29 7:25 p.m. 8-30 7:23 p.m.

Please use discretion when reporting violations. Let's not "cry wolf" for minor violations. The marine patrol has very limited personnel and is extremely busy at Lake Michigan all summer. A boater or jet skier who is a few minutes late getting off the lake is a minor violation.

Call 9-1-1 for violations on which you want "same day" action

Call 1-888-731-1007 Ext. 4037 to report boating violations on which you obtained the VIN number and want action, but the next day is O.K.8-5 8:01 p.m. 8-6 8:00 p.m.


FREE SEASONED FIREWOOD! Great for campfires. Pick up any time, no appointment necessary. Take as much as you want. 2732 Crockery Shores. If the firewood is not gone by this fall, they will be burning it up.


BOATING VIOLATIONS

Call 9-1-1 for violations on which you want "same day" action
Call 1-888-731-1007 Ext. 4037 to report violations on which you obtained the VIN number and want action, but the next day is O.K.


Current Crockery Lake Association Board Members: