Thank You, Tom Steele, for 26 Years of Dedicated Service to the BLPOA!!
For 26 years, Tom has been giving untold hours of his time to leading roles in our Lake Association.
As Director in charge of Membership and Communications, he not only transformed the Informer from a leaflet stapled together to the beautiful magazine you know now, he persuaded many businesses to advertise in our magazine so that the publication didn’t cost the Association, but rather, made a contribution to our account.
As the whole world moved from paper and snail mail to the internet and emails, he created the data base to bring us into the 2000s. We continue to use and add to that system today.
He has been a dedicated supporter of all of BLPOA’s events – the Regatta, the Lobster Dinner, the Golf Tournament. His mantra and actions have reflected his commitment to engage more people in the Association in general and the Board in particular. He has focused especially on trying to attract more young members of the lake to ensure that the Association stays strong, relevant and inclusive.
When Sue Yallop’s retirement after her many years of dedication left us looking for a President, Tom suggested we act as Co-Presidents for a year while we expanded our search for new volunteers. A reasonable plan, except then Covid entered our lives. We agreed to carry on to get us through this health and social crisis.
My granddaughter’s early arrival in mid-2020, along with many of her health challenges, meant my time was dedicated to family. Tom took over all of the duties and continued as sole President. So kind. And these were not easy years to navigate. There were big issues every year.
Now it is time for us to let him move to the role he’s long been eyeing, Past President. Tom, thank you for working so diligently to ensure that our Association is well-rounded, knitting its members together with fun-filled social activities while recognizing, facing, investigating and highlighting environmental and other lake-related concerns. You’ve made it clear what an important role our Association has for the on-going health and happiness of Boshkung Lake.
Our deepest gratitude goes to you!
Vicki Woods, President-elect, BLPOA
Boshkung: Summer 2024
President’s Update - May 20th, 2024:
Let me briefly update you on all that is going on your Boshkung Lake this Spring and Summer 2024.
First, we have the boat ramp issue with the planned Wedgewood sale and loss of that private boat ramp after almost 60 years of used and enjoyment by everyone on our three lake chain. Between the lake associations from Twelve Mile/Little Boshkung and Boshkung lake, we have a working group of 11 people trying to find a solution.
We’ve been talking to the Mayors and the staff at the Township of Algonquin Highlands (AH) and the Township of Minden Hills (MH). Because it involves 2 Townships, it gets much more complicated. So far, AH has approved a consultant to evaluate the Hwy 118 ramp for possible upgrading and improvements. But nothing is expected to happen this year – either it’s not in the budget or enough time to get it completed.
There’ve been discussions with the new owners of Twin Lakes Resort about the possibility of them putting in a boat ramp that the 3 lakes could use. Again, the possibility of that happening this year is low. For instance, approvals from MNRF can take 6 – 8 months. So, if you put your boat in this year, make certain you have already arranged a way or someone to get your boat out. More news to follow as it becomes available.
For BLPOA updates on the boat ramp issue, please check back on our website at www.blpoa.ca from time to time or Click Here.
Second, our AGM – Annual General Meeting – is scheduled for July 6th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and muffins and it starts at 9:30 a.m. We expect to have excellent guest speakers and lots of good stuff to discuss.
Third, BOSHKUNG’S SUMMER SIZZLE is planned for July 20th, 2024 and it is looking really good – a lot of fun and food for all ages. Please go to the website to get your ticket. And – VOLUNTEER TO HELP!! The only way to succeed is with many hands to make light work. Please reach out to Joanne Turner – joanne@joanneturner.ca - if you’re able to assist.
Fourth, the famous Boshkung Lake Regatta will take place at Buttermilk Falls Resort at 11 a.m. on August 3rd, 2024. Jenn Murdison is looking for more volunteers. We are going to have more than just a Regatta and you should come and see what she has in store. If you’d like to volunteer or want to contact Jenn, please email her at jmurdison@outlook.com
And lastly, BLPOA Golf/Family Day is on August 17th, 2024. We have a new coordinator. Elizabeth (Liz) Brouillette, Jane Farquharson’s daughter, who has agreed to take on this event. More on that later. If you’d like to contact Liz, please email her at ejbrouill@gmail.com
So, we have a busy summer ahead. Let’s all enjoy it!
See you on the lake and I can wave to you from the boathouse roof.
Tom Steele, BLPOA President
Look for:
engaging articles by fellow Boshkungers,
fabulous photos captured on your cameras and phones,
recaps of last summer's events,
anticipation building for this summer's activities (including the new Boshkung Summer Sizzle on July 20th - read about it on page 4),
informative pieces to help us care for the health of Boshkung,
check our List of Valued Advertisers when you are looking for work to be done, or a place to shop or eat!
you'll find how to order Boshkung gear,
and much more!
If you haven't yet received your Informer, contact vickiwoods1@gmail.com
For an online copy of The Informer: Spring 2024, Click Here.
The lake is divided into 20 areas and each has an area rep. These area reps visit each member at the beginning of the summer, if they can, in order to get any updates re new owners, changes in phone numbers, emails, or addresses.
They also like to check up on membership dues and answer any questions the property owner may have.
They will leave a flyer with them listing the events for the summer. Hopefully everyone knows who their area rep is, but if not, the list is on page 2 of the Informer.
Please note that the phone number for our Area 20 rep, Linda Ray, should be updated in your Informer to 705-754-5854.
The 2024 BLPOA Area Rep List is included below.
Carole Wallace
Lake Steward
The Chinese mystery snail and banded mystery snail are invasive species that have been introduced into our lakes.
These snails need to be monitored and removed from our shorelines.
Fortunately, we have 28 volunteers from our lake participating in this program.
Thank you!!
Jeff Woods, BLPOA Lake Steward