April 8, 2020
Looking around, it doesn’t really seem like it is time to start thinking about this summer at the lake yet. This month started with a foot of fresh snow at the Resort, and the thermometer was well below -20 degrees. The current restrictions make it difficult to plan anything at all this summer. In spite of all of this, the calendar tells me that we need to start planning the season. As always, I am looking forward to sitting on my lot or in my boat and enjoying the sun and life at the lake, even if our community activities have to be significantly reduced.
To begin with, we all have to admit that the current physical distancing requirements could seriously affect how we enjoy our lake lots this year. Please see the News section of our website for more information about how the Resort is responding to the COVID-19 crisis. However, there are many other items that also need to be addressed, and this is what I will focus on here.
The biggest news from last summer is that our Campers Association now has an executive council which has been very active in promoting events at the lake. The early morning pancake breakfasts were a great success last summer, and I have to admit how surprized I was to see so many young families in the Store Community Building, so early in the morning. For this season, there are plans in place for Community Dinners, a Carnival Day on the August long weekend, as well the usual Canada Celebrations on the Saturday after the July 1 holiday. Thank you to Michele (Lot211), Marilyn (155), Dawn (74), Kathy (225), and Lisa (106) for making all of this happen. A simple election will be held for the positions of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary again. If you are interested in running in this election, or in offering to help the Campers Association in any way then please send a message to Joanna, the Events Coordinator (events@fawcettlakeresort.com). , If you can help with any event then please let her know this as well. Thank you to her as well for continuing to help us out in this role.
I am very happy that the Campers Association has purchased a much larger playground structure for the Resort. Thank you to Troy & Tiffany (lot 166) for finding this opportunity. The structure has many features, as well as many parts and pieces that will need to be assembled. Several volunteers will be needed to assemble this new playground. This includes people to just dig a hole or hold something steady, as well as those with the certain special skills and tools. Please contact the Events Coordinator if you are willing to help. The timing of this work is still to be determined, but we hope to have it finished by the end of June.
Just a reminder, all guest fees are given to the Campers Association to help pay for the various events (such as the Canada fireworks). If you have an idea to host a community event, then you may get to use some of these funds for it. The method for paying the guest fees is still the same as before, except that cheques are now to be made out to “East Fawcett Lake Campers Club“. Payment can also be made by etransfer to guestfee@fawcettlakeresort.com. There are payment envelopes with additional information available at the front of the Store Cmty. Bldg. near the mailbox.
Over the past few years efforts have been made to clean up the Storage Area at the back of the Resort, including allowing nature to reclaim some to the land. There is no extra security, of course, but this area is available for any Annual Camper to store their personal lake items and remove the clutter form their lot. Remember to access the Storage Area using the Emergency Road at the back when conditions are wet. To help maximize the use of space, please place your items close to others without blocking access for anyone else. Also, you should label your items with your lot number so that we will be able to contact you if there is ever a need to move it. This can easily be done with a key tag (tie it near the hitch) and a permanent marker.
The development of the pathways within the Resort has proceeded very well. Please feel free to use them, while respecting the privacy of the lots nearby. The boat launch and other lake access pathways are seasonal, so pay attention to any signs, but the rest are open year round. There are two summer lake access pathways leading to a dock that can be used for manual launching of a canoe or kayak, or for just watching the sunset. These docks are not adequate for motor boats and leaving a boat unattended at them is not permitted. Most of the pathways are open to ATVs (not during quiet hours) with a 10km/hr speed limit, but the summer lake access pathways and all grass areas are just for walking (this includes the grass area near the private dock area).
I would like to remind everyone about the importance of respecting other people’s lots at the lake. I frequently get complaints of people crossing or entering someone’s lot without permission, often for no apparent reason (especially during the winter). Remember that it is a condition of your lease agreement that you may not interfere with the ability of other Annual Campers to enjoy their lots. Please make sure that everyone in your family (including your children and pets), and all of your guests, do not enter another lot without permission. In light of recent events, I suggest that people always wait for an invitation before the crossing the lot line, every time.
Did you know that there are Resort Emergency Procedures available on our website? There is a link at the bottom right of the home page in the Other Useful Items section. They list several Emergency Volunteers who are often at the lake, and are willing to assist whenever necessary. Even just getting an ambulance to your lot is easier by following these procedures. Everyone should review this document so that they are aware of the emergency options available to them, just in case they are ever needed. If you are willing to be an Emergency Volunteer, please contact the Events Coordinator. The full procedures are at: www.fawcettlakeresort.com/portfolio/emergency/
I would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who has helped to build our lake community. Forty years ago, my father had a picture in his head about what the Resort could look like … with a little bit of work. Everything that you do at the lake, such as helping to make an event go smoothly, recommending a friend who is looking for a lot, or even just planting that flower bed on your lot, has helped to make Dad’s dream come true. Thank you.
As always, the Annual Meeting is scheduled for the Sunday of the May long weekend (May 17, 2020), at 1.00pm by the Store Cmty. Bldg. This will depend on the physical distancing requirements. If you have a specific topic to be put on the agenda, send it to the Events Coordinator. You will hear from me again earlier that month to confirm the plans for this meeting.
See you at the Lake