MAY, 2024

The official (and ONLY)
online publication of the

BIRCH LAKE YACHT CLUB

Please note:
Some Internet Service Provider services (including Comcast and AOL) block the Online Birch Barker as "spam," and refuse to send it out. Unfortunately, if you use one of these there services, there is nothing we can do to ensure you will receive it. If you are not getting the Barker via email, you may be able to contact your provider and ask to "unblock" or "whitelist" it and/or the email address onlinebarker@gmail.com so you can receive the Online Barker and Lake-related special notices.

Spring is turning into summer quickly!





As spring turns into summer the flowers and the critters have returned to Birch Lake. Thanks to Stewart Spratt for the snake pix, and to Pat McGann for the heron pic. Some old, white-haired, Santa Claus-looking guy shot the pic of the tulips ...

Commodore's Comments
Counting down until Memorial Day when I hope most of the lake cottages will be open and ready for summer activities.

We are kicking off this season with our annual Birch Lake Spring dinner on May 18. The dinner will be held at Pineview Golf Course, Three Rivers, Michigan. Social hour 6 to 7 pm, with dinner following. Tickets will be available until May 10. This year‘s theme is “Derby Days“ so hope to see some fabulous hats and natty bow ties. See ad below for more details.

The first monthly card night will be held at the Yacht Club May 30. Any card game (Other than strip poker) can be enjoyed. Tables of euchre, Michigan rummy, (Tripoli) 65, and poker, to name a few, will be running. Cards, poker chips and Tripoli board will be provided, but bringing additional decks and chips will be welcomed. Yacht Club will be open at 7 pm for all players. Hope to see you there.

Please sign up for the Bloating Safety Course if you haven’t already. As mentioned in a previous Barker, anyone born after July 1, 1996 must have a license to drive a power watercraft on the lake. A representative from the sheriff's office, Marine division, will be at our yacht club on June 8 at 10 am to run the program. Sign up online at Michigan DNR or email me at EYESND 76@gmail.com to be included in the program. If not enough Birch Lakers sign up, the program will be canceled and traveling to another location will be required. The program is free.

I was invited to join Water Quality representative Jen Ball at this year’s Michigan Lakes and Streams conference in Muskegon, Michigan. I’m pleased to say that we both came home thinking how lucky we are to be at Birch Lake where water quality is high on the priority list. As homeowners it is in our best interest to keep our lake clean and safe for all to enjoy. To this end the Homeowners Association has invited a representative from the DNR to attend one of our board meetings to discuss the steps that have already been taken to eliminate runoff from surrounding farm fields, and to answer any questions we might have. When that date is confirmed it will be included in the Barker if any resident would like to attend. More on Water Quality can be found in subsequent Barker articles.

While on the topic of Water Quality, I found an article from the South Bend Tribune from September 5, 1912, titled “Birch Lake, a Cass Gem, has attractions all its own.” The following excerpts from this article you may find interesting:

The waters of Birch Lake are the deepest, the coldest, the clearest, and therefore its fish are the best to be found in any of Michigan’s small inland Lakes. Not withstanding the coldness of the deep waters, the shallow beaches are unsurpassed for bathing and the sun warms the water to an agreeable temperature. Its waters have that deep clear greenish blue cast that Lake Michigan has, which indicates great depth and a clean bottom free from mud. Birch Lake is encircled by a ridge of hills that rise within 200 feet of the shoreline to a height of 100 feet and these bluffs are covered with trees of large size, vines, saplings and undergrowth, so that the setting for the lake is agreeable to lovers of the beauty of nature. Birch Lake is fed by springs, and scientists have advanced the opinion that it’s source of supply may even be as far away as northern Wisconsin and the big upper Lake region, which would count for the coldness of the water supply and it’s resemblance to the big lakes in color. A fact that is not generally known is that the Birch Lake region has the highest elevation of any in southern Michigan and is several hundred feet higher than Niles.” Referring to the spring on the north side of the lake, “ the spring that gushes up at the very edge of the lake, the water being as cool as if it’s from a refrigerator and of a quality that excites the desire for more. This water has no mineral taste, but it’s said to compare with the finest waters in the world."

Let’s do our best to try to keep Birch Lake “ a Cass Gem”

Until next month, “May the memories remain and the view stay the same“ on our golden Pond.

~Commodore Sue Davis

Deadline for Spring Diner reservations is May 10

New rule for parking at the boat launch
Starting April 1 anyone who parks at the boat launch will need an annual pass sticker from the Cass County Parks. Costs are $15 for county residents and $30 for non-residents. Anyone can still use the launch, but if you want to park, an annual pass will be required. Passes can be obtained from the Cass County Parks office in Cassopolis, or pick up an envelope at Dr. Lawless entrance and send in your payment. This pass is good for parking at all the Cass County parks.
~Birch Lake Home Owners Association 

Spaghetti Dinner will be June 29
The spaghetti dinner this year will be on June 29. Please come and join your fellow Birch Lake neighbors at the Yacht Club from 5:30 until 8 pm, for an “Authentic” Italian spaghetti dinner.

We will be serving regular and gluten-free spaghetti with the world-famous Niezgodski red marinara sauce and the super-rich Plaia Alfredo sauce, along with Italian meatballs and a freshly made tossed salad accompanied by Italian bread and butter and delicious homemade desserts.  Water, ice tea and lemonade will be provided.   Feel free to bring a bottle of vino to round out your dining experience.  Carry-out will be available.

Tickets for this magnificent meal will be sold at the Spring dinner, May 18.  Adult tickets (11 & up) are $10, children (5-10) $6, little ones (4 & under) free.  Tickets can also be purchased from Vickie Rogers (Cove) 269-476-2383, Leslie King (North shore) 574-276-9996, Cam Butler(West shore) 574-596-1066, Sue Williams (South shore) 574-298-2839 or Blair Garceau (East shore) - 574-261-9817.  Please make sure to purchase your tickets before June 24; tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door.

Proceeds from the sale of the tickets will go to the Birch Lake Yacht Club building improvement fund.  There will be a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to Water Quality.
Looking forward to sharing a meal with all of our lake neighbors and their guests.

The Spaghetti Dinner Committee would like to thank the following individuals for their generosity and time. Without their help the Annual Spaghetti Dinner would not be a success.

Ron, Kathy and Bobby Niezgodski - Consultants and door ticket takers
Tom Kuhn and Jan Temple - Donating the regular and gluten free spaghetti
Greg Bolin and Dennis Geik - Spaghetti cooks
Dan Waxman - Donating the Italian bread, butter and dish washer/clean-up
Jim Calderwood- Bread server
Amber Gundy, Camp Tannadoonah - Use of kitchen
Lynn & Marc Caenepeel and Deb & Bud Hall - Donating salad fixings and salad table servers
Debbie & Carmen Soldato - Donating drinks
Steve Plaia & Karen Brovold - Donating Alfredo sauce and clean-up
Peggy Geik - Serving dinner and dessert maker
Julie & Mike Sheffieck - Cookie maker and dessert table sever, dinner server and set-up
Cindy & Kevin Bernaciak - 50/50 raffle
Jennifer & John Ball - Dinner servers
Bruce Wagner - Parmesan cheese server
Claudia Phipps - Dessert chairperson
Bill Butler - set-up and clean-up
Vickie Rogers, Leslie King, Cam Butler, Blair Garceau & Sue Williams - ticket sales
Stacia Andriano - Donating supplies

We are still looking for additional donations and help for the dinner, if you would like to volunteer, please contact Stacia Andriano @ 260-710-5883, Karen Brovold @ 269-362-3150 or Cam Butler @ 574-596-1066.
GRAZIE MILLE,
~The Spaghetti Dinner Committee


BLYC, Facebook and social media
The Birch Lake Yacht Club DOES NOT have a Facebook page, nor is it participating in any form of social media. If you see Birch Lake Yacht Club information on any social media, the information has not been provided, checked or approved by the BLYC, and may be incorrect or misleading. If you have questions or concerns, please check http://www.philvitale.com/Barker/BirchBarker.htm, or contact any BLYC director or officer (see “officer and director” information in any edition of the printed or online Barker).

Birch Barker Kids of the Month

Since no one sent me a kid of the moth pic, I pulled out a photo I shot of my neighbor, Bill Luecht (east side) enjoying the sun on the sailboat we sailed around the BVI in March. Bill seemed to enjoy himself and he didn't throw up once!

Summer Barker delivery route help is still needed
The Birch Barker is in need of a person to delivery about 35 printed Barkers per week for 15 weeks next summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) on the far south side of Birch Lake (from approximately the Yacht Club to the turn around). If you can help, please contact Ron Niezgodski at 574-532-6710 or email birchbass1@gmail.com

New Barker editor sought
We're still looking for someone to take of the job of being the editor of the Birch Barker when Phil Vitale retires or dies (he's not going to live forever, you know). You can start easy by taking on the responsibilities for the Online Barker; all you need is a basic knowledge of how websites work, html code and/or software. East into the summer Barker as you go along; training will be provided if required (and if Phil is still alive). Flexible hours, no pay but the lakers are gonna love you ...


Fleet Captain's Corner
This year will be a very special sailing year on Birch Lake because the BLYC will be hosting the Earl Troeger Memorial MC Interlake Regatta on Saturday, August 17. This will be the first interlake regatta held on Birch Lake in several decades. It is named in memory of Earl Troeger, who was Scott's uncle, and was Snipe World Champion in 1965. Barb Cassidy has been chairing the regatta committee over the winter, and much planning has been accomplished. Bob King, Scott Troeger, Pat Welch and I have been serving on the committee.

Based upon recent Interlake Regattas at Diamond Lake and Corey Lake in which some of us BLYC Sailors participated, we expect 10 to 15 off-lake boats to attend. Most, if not all, of these boats will arrive at the public launch on race day, between 7:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. This could get very crowded if everyone tries to launch using their vehicles. But the standard practice at interlake regattas is to use a tractor or golf cart with a hitch ball, that can launch the sailboats much more nimbly and faster than cars or trucks.

We are very grateful to Ben Wozniak, who has generously volunteered to use his tractor, equipped with a hitch ball, to launch the off-lake MC's once the masts are raised; and to pull them out after the regatta. Last summer, several of us saw this method used very quickly and efficiently at the Corey Lake Regatta. But it's an unfamiliar process here at Birch Lake, and since practice makes perfect, we need some practice before the regatta.

So Ben has also generously volunteered to bring his tractor to the public launch on Saturday, May 18 at 1:00 p.m., for regatta launch practice. And the practice session will "kill two birds with one stone" by raising the masts and launching a few of our BLYC MC's for the season. Don't worry, we are going to be VERY careful about the overhead electric lines above the entrance to the public launch!

On the afternoon of Saturday, May 18, before the Spring Dinner, you'll be able to see Ben on his tractor moving some sailboats around at the public launch while a group of sailors help out with raising the masts, and you'll know why! Commodore Sue Davis promises to come down and supervise, so things are likely to go very smoothly!

~ F.C. Steve


BLYC Dues, Contribution & Donation Form

$____ - BLYC SPRING DINNER RESERVATIONS ($40 / PERSON)

$____ - BLYC Member Dues ($30 / year)
$____ - BLYC Associate Member Dues ($10 / year)
$____ - Homeowners’ Assoc. ($10 / year)
$____ - Sailing Fees ($15 / year)
$____ - WATER QUALITY and INVASIVE SPECIES TREATMENT
$____ - Building Improvement Fund
$____ - Fireworks Fund
$____ - Safety Committee
$____ - Other non-party related expenses
$____ - BLYC Roof Fund
$____ - BLYC AED Fund
$____ - Misc.

Total contribution:
$__________________

Include your name and address and make checks payable BLYC and mail to:
BLYC, c/o Deb Spratt at 18100 Farmington Hills Drive, South Bend, IN 46637, or go online to HTTP://BIRCHLAKEYACHTCLUB.COM to pay dues and/or make donations

2024 Birch Lake Events
MAY
May 18
-Board meeting - 9 am, BLYC
May 18 - Spring Dinner @ 5:30 pm Pineview Golf Club -"Derby Days," Sue Davis, Julie Dickey
May 25-26 - Memorial Day Weekend Sailboat Races Races Sat/Sun, with Monday as backup
May 30 - Card night -7 pm, BLYC

JUNE

June 1 - Board Meeting - 9 am, BLYC
June 8 – Boating Safety Course 10am-4 pm, BLYC
June 8 - Trivia night - 6:30 pm, BLYC, Holly Troeger, Sue Williams, Blair Garceau
June 15 - Commodore/Vice-Comm. Stock the Bar Party - 6:30pm, BLYC, Jimmy Buffett Tribute Night "Margaritaville," Sue Davis, Julie Dickey
June 29 - Spaghetti Dinner, Cam Butler, Stacia Andriano
June 27 - Card night 7 pm. BLYC

JULY

July 6 - Boat Parade - Line up at 2:30 pm at Waxmans', 3pm, theme TBA, Dan Waxman
July 6 - FIREWORKS, 10 pm, Bernie Garceau
July 6-7 - Fourth of July Regatta
July 13 - Board Meeting - 9 am, BLYC
July 19 - Women's Golf Outing - Details TBA, Blair Garceau
July 20 - Family Picnic, Details TBA, Sara Petty
July 20 - Kidz Triathlon - Details TBA
July 25 - Card Night - 7 pm, BLYC
July 26 - Men's Golf Outing- 8 am, Hampshire Golf Club, John Ball
July 27 - Don Harman Kidz Sunfish Regatta (Tentative date), Bob and Leslie King

AUGUST

Aug 3 - Corn and Sausage Roast 5:30-7pm, BLYC, Blair Garceau
Aug 10 - Board Meeting 9 am, BLYC
Aug 17 - Earl Troeger Memorial MC Interlake Regatta - Details TBA, Barb Cassidy
Aug 23 - Women's Style Show and Luncheon - Woodfire Restaurant, Details TBA, Ronni Eshleman
Aug 24 - Fall Dinner and Annual BLYC Meeting - Details TBA, Vice-Commodore, Julie Dickey
Aug 29 - Card Night - 7 pm, BLYC
Aug 31, Sept. 1- Labor Day Regatta, Sat/Sun, backup Mon.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 7 - Board Meeting - 9 am, BLYC
Sept. 7 - Sailing Award Luncheon, 1 pm, BLYC

OCTOBER
October 19 - Bad Patty Luecht Crockpot Challenge - Karen Curtis-Miller (tentative)

BLYC Classified Ads
FOR SALE
For sale: boat lift for tri-hull pontoon 22-24 feet. Like new, asking $6500. Contact J. Habich, 269-476-9726.

FOR RENT:
Birch Lake cottage for rent: Three bedroom, one bath cottage with tub and shower. New granite kitchen, new stainless appliances w/dishwasher, washer and dryer. Nice pier w/ big platform. Plenty of parking. Possible ski, pontoon, row boat and sailboats for rent. Sleeps six in beds, room for more. Call/text Pat McGann 574- 532-5377.

WANTED:
Wanted: used lawn mower. Must be cheap (or free), and in good working order and easy to start since my daughter and grandson are going to use it to mow their lawn in town. Please call Phil at 476-1680.

SERVICES:
I do sewing and mending at fair prices - zippers, hemming, small alterations; call Kathy at 476-9317


BLYC Contacts
BLYC OFFICERS
Sue Davis (E) Commodore
574-993-6031 eyesnd76@gmail.com
Julie Dickey (E) Vice Commodore
574-220-9132 jdjuls@aol.com
Deb Spratt (N) Treasurer
debspratt@comcast.net
Mike Sheffieck (W) Secretary
708-220-1506 mcsheffieck@gmail.com
Steve Frew (E) Fleet Captain
708-285-2999 stephenbfrew@gmail.com

BLYC DIRECTORS
Dave Carroll (W) 574-850-8359
arrolldavid39@gmail.com
Barb Cassady (E) 574-229-9815
barbcassady49@gmail.com
Ed Chester (E) 476-1010
ed@chesterlawoffice.com
Karen Curtis-Miller (E) 574-261-6712 krcurtismiller@gmail.com
Bernie Garceau 476-9862
bgarceau@norcoind.com
Deb Hall (C) 219-765-8691
debbershall@gmail.com
Pat McGann (E) 574-532-5377
pat@mcgannhay.com
Ron Niezgodski (W) 574-532-6710
birchbass1@gmail.com
Laura Pence (E)
lpence3@gmail.com
Sarah Petty (N) .574-274-9202
sarahkpetty@gmail.com
Claudia Phipps (N) 476-7073
claudia2154@gmail.com
Vickie Rogers (C) 476-2383
tvrogers@frontier.com
Rick Russwurm (N) 476-2407
paramountp@aol.com
Ray Scholes (S) 567-429-9569
rqs72@aol.com
Scott Troeger (E) 476-9898
scott.troeger@btlaw.com
Phil Vitale (E) 476-1680
sailorphil@philvitale.com
or onlinebarker@gmail.com
Sandy Vitale (E) 476-1680
sv6102@gmail.com
Dan Waxman (E) 317-506-1680
DWaxman131@outlook.com
Denny Weesner (S) 219-765-8602
dkwees@cs.com
Sue Williams (S) (574) 298-2839
smwilliams226@gmail.com

OTHER CONTACTS OF INTEREST
Paul Fallon (E) Chairman, Water Quality
476- 1467 pauljfallon49@gmail.com
Blair Garceau (E) Chairman, Homeowners
476-9862 blairgarceau@gmail.com

Barker Funnies














PONDERISMS:

So now cocaine is legal in Oregon, but straws aren’t. That must be frustrating.

Still trying to get my head around the fact that ‘Take Out’ can mean food, dating, or murder.

The older I get, the more I understand why roosters scream to start their day.

Being popular on Facebook is like sitting at the ‘cool table’ in the cafeteria of a mental hospital.

You know you’re over 50 when you have ‘upstairs ibuprofen’ and ‘downstairs ibuprofen’.

If only vegetables smelled as good as bacon.

I woke up this morning determined to drink less, eat right, and exercise. But that was four hours ago when I was younger and full of hope.

Anyone who says their wedding was the best day of their life has clearly never had two candy bars fall down at once from a vending machine.

The biggest joke on mankind is that computers have begun asking humans to prove they aren’t a robot.

It’s weird being the same age as old people.

We celebrated last night with a couple adult beverages, Metamucil and Ensure.

After watching how some people wore their masks, I understand why contraception fails.

Someone said, “Nothing rhymes with orange.” I said, “No, it doesn’t.”

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts his sails.

There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. Only a fraction of people will find this funny.

Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.

I have many hidden talents. I just wish I could remember where I hid them.

My idea of a Super Bowl is a toilet that cleans itself.

THE BARKER ONLINE...
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