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October, 2023
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Please note:
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Whether we like it or not the leaves have begun to change and despite a few days of very nice weather this week, it's forecast to get cooler and more seasonal very quickly ... so batten down and prepare for a cold snap!
Commodore's Comments
October greetings from the Birch Lake officers and board members. The final board meeting of the season was held September 9 where suggestions were made to pay tribute to our late Birch Lake Yacht Club member and supporter, Patty Luecht. Memorializing Patty, the “Crockpot Challenge” was voted on and renamed in her honor. This event was very close to her heart and the committee thought it a good choice.
“The Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge”was held last Saturday evening, treating the dwindling, but lively group of Birch Lakers to sweet and savory crockpot dishes. With 12 participants in the savory category and 4 in the sweet, there were plenty of delights to sample. Vickie and Tom Rogers took the top prize in the savory group and Bob and Sue Waddle in the sweet. The event was hosted by Sandy and Phil Vitale stepping in to fill the shoes of our late Patty Luecht. The 50/50 raffle was held and proceeds went to Water Quality. Past Commodore Deb Hall’s ticket was drawn and with her added back donation, an impressive $270 was donated to Water Quality. The evening culminated in an auction of surplus beer, wine and soda from the summer “Stock the Bar,” party raising another $205 for the Yacht Club supply and maintenance fund. Additionally, an impressive amount of non-perishable food items were collected at the door and will be delivered to the food bank of Cass County. Thank you to the Vitales and all their helpers to make this first “Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge” a success and an apt tribute to its namesake.
New ideas were presented and discussed at the last meeting, including a monthly euchre card night held mid week at the yacht club, a Water Safety course open to all Birch Lake homeowners, and additional activities for our young Birch lakers . Some of you may remember that there was a Junior Yacht Club back in the 1960s. Should this be resurrected? We are hoping to bring back a few of the activities sponsored by the Yacht Club for our young lakers. In addition to the Kidz Regatta, we are looking at bringing back a children’s mini triathlon. All Birch Lake families are encouraged to suggest other activities that may be of interest to our young people. In addition to Bob King, who runs the Kidz Regatta, we are looking for a mom or dad interested in helping in this area and chairing the triathlon event. Shoot me an email if you are interested.
Birch Lake is planning to host the Southwest Michigan MC Regatta, formally the Five Lakes Regatta, this August. Our fleet captain, Steve Frew and his committee will be sharing information on this event in subsequent barkers. The 2023 regatta was held at Corey Lake and was a resounding success with 28 MCs participating, and some sailors coming from as far away as Florida. This is a project that will necessitate all hands on deck to make it a success and give us the opportunity to show off our beautiful lake.
Ron Niezgodski, our Barker delivery coordinator informed me of an opportunity to fill a vacancy on the south side for Barker delivery. Please let him know if you are interested in filling this position. His email address is birchbass1@gmail.com
Thank you to Phil Vitale and Bud Hall for their work in completing shelving to hold past sailing awards and trophies at the Yacht Club. Another thank you to Patrick Davis for contributing the shelving material. Nice work gentleman.
Until next month’s online Barker, stay safe and enjoy the changing fall colors, and “may the memories remain, and the views stay the same“ on our Golden Pond.
~Commodore Sue
2023 Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge -- Thank you all!
Thanks to everyone who brought the delicious food and who helped out with what is now officially known as the BAD PATTY CROCKPOT CHALLENGE, which took place on September 30. Special thanks to Kevin and Cindy Bernaciak for handling the 50/50 and basket raffles, Deb Hall who auctioned the leftover supplies, Bill Luecht, Sue and Pat Williams, Carla and Ed Chester and all of the other people who helped with setup and cleanup, to all of our neighbors who donated food items for the Food Banks, and Camille Butler who took all of the donations to her church the Presbyterian Church to distribute via Helping Hands to the Cass County community.
~Sandy & Phil Vitale, 2023 event chair people
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It's time to stow your "slow down" signs for the winter!
The Slow Down signs helped again this year, reminding drivers to watch their speed around the lake. Don’t forget to take them in now so we can get another summer or two of use out of them. Thanks,
~The Home Owners Association
Barker Kids of the Month
Congratulations to BLYC Commodore Sue Davis, a new member of the Monogram Club at The University of Notre Dame. Way to go Miss Sue!
Barker delivery route delivery help 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
BLYC Dues, Contribution & Donation Form
$____ - BLYC Member Dues ($30 / year)
$____ - BLYC Associate Member Dues ($10 / year)
$____ - Homeowners’ Assoc. ($10 / year)
$____ - Sailing Fees ($15 / year)
$____ - Building Improvement Fund
$____ - Fireworks Fund
$____ - Water Quality Program
$____ - Milfoil/Loosestrife Eradication
$____ - 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
Southwest Michigan Interlake MC Regatta planned here
We have exciting news for the Birch Lake Community! Our Birch Lake Yacht Club voted September 9, 2023 to host next summer’s MC regatta. What we have referred to for the past three years as the “5 Lakes Regatta” has now become the “SW MICHIGAN INTERLAKE REGATTA.”
What began in 2021 (and was hosted by Diamond Lake) is a rejuvenation of a sailing tradition amongst five area lakes (Birch, Diamond, Eagle, Corey and Indian) from decades ago where once a summer sailors from these lakes would come together and race each other. There was a traveling trophy (currently in the hands of Bill Farabaugh on Corey Lake who won the 2023 regatta) that gets passed along to the winner of the regatta (or if the winner is from a lake outside the five lakes, the traveling trophy goes to the best sailor from the five lakes at the regatta).
At each of the past three regattas, there has been interest from lakes outside our five, and at this past regatta they had guest sailors from Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, and Spring Lake yacht clubs. Hence the name change from 5 Lakes to Interlake. This regatta is a one-day event that will be held next summer here on SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024.
The planning committee includes Bob King, Scott Troeger, Pat Welch, Tom Cassady, and MC Fleet Captain Steve Frew and myself. We will be looking for volunteers to help before and the day of the regatta. If you have any questions pertaining to this event or would like to volunteer to help that day please contact Barb Cassady at barbcassady49@gmail.com.
As more information becomes available, we will update all of you through the Birch Barker.
~ BARB CASSADY
Fleet Captain's Corner
The BLYC Sailors dined al fresco on the porch at the Yacht Club ... On the beautiful afternoon of Saturday, September 9, 2023, the BLYC Sailors gathered to celebrate the memories and achievements of the 2023 sailing season, and look forward to the thrills and challenges of 2024. A sumptuous table bearing delicious potluck appetizers and desserts contributed by Sailors or their spouses complemented a spread of Subway's finest sandwiches. Scott Troeger brought his Uncle Earl Troeger's vintage Birch Lake Traveling Trophy for special display on a colorful side table also bearing the prizes to be awarded, while vintage sailing trophies borrowed from the new display in the Yacht Club decorated the long dining table.
As expected, the season championship results in both fleets were decided by the five races of the Labor Day Regatta. Going into the regatta, Scott Troeger held a slim lead of only 30 season points in the MC Fleet, while Rick Russwurm led by only 33 in the Sunfish Fleet. Both Scott and Rick did not sail in the Labor Day Regatta due to other obligations. Would their gamble pay off?
The wind was fantastic on Labor Day weekend, and 5 great races were run. In the MC Fleet, we saw strong performances from Barb Cassady who went 2-1-3-1-1; Pat Welch at 1-5-2-2-3; and Phil Vitale with 5-4-1-3-2. On Saturday, Bob King scored a 2nd, while Sandy Vitale and Bill Luecht each scored a 3rd. In the Sunfish fleet, season, Stewart Spratt threatened Rick's lead, but faced strong competition even in Rick's absence, in the persons of Scott Sortal who went 1-1-1-2-3, and Pete Soldato who netted 2-3-2 on Saturday. Stewart was still able to score 4-2-3-1-1, breaking Scott Sortal's winning streak in both of Sunday's races. Bob Niezgodski netted a 2nd and two 3rd's. So the numbers were very close, but would they be enough to edge out Scott Troeger and/or Rick Russwurm?
After the convivial meal, the following awards were presented:
A bottle of red wine labeled "Roll Out the Red Wine" was presented to Leslie King, to help her restock the King's boat house in the wake of the highly successful 2023 Don Harman Kidz Regatta, when Bob and Leslie rolled out the red carpet for the kids.
A vintage Birch Lake sailing medal on a red, white and blue neck ribbon was contributed by Bob Waddle, who found it in a box of old Birch Lake stuff, and doesn’t know whose it was. This very cool medal was presented to young Connor Caplis for his 2023 participation in the Don Harman Kidz Regatta, winning the Junior Sunfish Fleet, albeit unopposed this year, and racing with his dad Tom on some Sunday's in their Sunfish. Connor also crewed on Bob King's MC in the Labor Day Regatta. Bob King accepted the award on behalf of Connor.
Certificates were awarded for service on the three support boats, and were presented to Rick Doolittle (in absentia) on the Rescue Boat; to Tom Cassady and Vic Jones on the Course Setting Boat; and to Ron Niezgodski, Bill Butler, Karen Brovold ( in absentia), and Stacia Andriano on the Race Committee Boat. Special thanks were given to Ron Niezgodski for stepping up to the plate when help was needed on the Race Committee Boat, assembling a team and doing a great job this season, and helping us build for the future.
Certificates were awarded to the first three places in each of the three major holiday Regattas:
Memorial Day Regatta:
Sunfish Fleet: 1. Rick Russwurm; 2. Pat McGann; 3. Bob Niezgodski
(Special congratulations to Pete Soldato, who went 2-1 before he left for Cleveland, Ohio and missed the third and final race.)
MC Fleet: 1. Scott Troeger; 2. Barb Cassady; 3. Phil Vitale
Fourth of July Regatta:
Sunfish Fleet: 1. Rick Russwurm; 2. Amy Troeger; 3. Pat McGann
MC Fleet: 1. Barb Cassady; 2. Scott Troeger; 3. Phil Vitale
Labor Day Regatta:
Sunfish Fleet: 1. Scott Sortal; 2. Stewart Spratt; 3. Bob Niezgodski
(Special congratulations to Pete Soldato, who went 2-3-2 on the first day, but left for Cleveland, Ohio and missed the second day of races.)
MC Fleet: 1. Barb Cassady; 2. Patrick Welch; 3. Phil Vitale
Season Fleet Championships:
As it turned out, the narrow leads held by Scott Troeger and Rick Russwurm sufficed, and they presumably breathed huge sighs of relief. The numbers show that if Barb's 2-1-3-1-1 in the Labor Day Regatta had been 1-1-3-1-1 instead, she would have beaten Scott for the season championship. And n the Sunfish Fleet, if Stewart's 4-2-3-1-1 in the Labor Day Regatta had been 1-1-3-1-1 instead, he would have beaten Rick for the season championship. It was an exciting finish to a great season of racing! Congratulations and thank you to all of the great competitors in both of our Fleets!
An anonymous donor contributed beautiful sailing trophies for the first three places in the Season Championship in each of our two fleets, which were won as follows:
Sunfish Fleet: 1. Rick Russwurm; 2. Stewart Spratt; 3. Bob Niezgodski
MC Fleet: 1. Scott Troeger; 2. Barb Cassady; 3. Patrick Welch
TO SEE THE FINAL TALLY FOR THE SEASON, CLICK HERE
Special Awards to Bad Patty Luecht posthumously, and to her long-time crew members: The luncheon concluded with the presentation of colorfully wrapped gifts to Bad Patty Luecht posthumously in care of her loving husband Bill; and to her long-time loyal Committee Boat crew members, Past Commodore Deb Hall, Good Patti Russwurm, Deb Spratt, and Karen Curtis-Miller (in absentia). Upon unwrapping, the gifts were found to be trophies with a pink flamingo on the top, and bearing a plaque with the recipient's name and "Birch Lake Yacht Club Committee Boat". The trophies were paid for 50% by an anonymous donor, and 50% from the sailing fund, so that all Sailors shared in giving these gifts. This year Bad Patty had called our races on only one Sunday in early June before her passing, and the somber 8 Bells nautical ceremony in her memory was held soon after. The presentation of the flamingo trophies was a moving and emotional finale for 2023 sailing on Birch Lake.
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Soon after the luncheon, a little birdie whispered that it would be nice to recognize those Sailors who participated in 100 percent of our races this year, and the little birdie was right. So certificates have been mailed to the two Sailors who achieved that goal in the 2023 season: Cam Butler in the Sunfish Fleet; and Barb Cassady in the MC Fleet. Congratulations, Cam and Barb! This award will continue to be presented in the future.
~ Fleet Captain Steve (Frew)
THE BARKER ONLINE...
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2024 Events
July 6 - FIREWORKS
August 17 - Southwest Michigan
Interlake Regatta @ Birch Lake
BLYC Classified Ads
SERVICES:
I do sewing and mending at fair prices - zippers, hemming, small alterations; call Kathy at 476-9317
FOR RENT:
Birch Lake cottage for rent: Three bedroom, one bath with tub and shower. New granite kitchen, new stainless appliances with dishwasher, washer and dryer. Nice pier with big platform. Plenty of parking. Possible ski, pontoon, row boat, and sailboats available for rent. Sleeps six in beds, room for more. Contact Pat McGann call/text 574- 532-5377.
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 c
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) 476-8886 smwilliams
226@gmail.com
OTHER ATTENDEES
Paul Fallon (E) Chairman, Water Quality
476- 1467 pauljfallon49@gmail.com
Blair Garceau (E) Chairman, Homeowners
476-9862 blairgarceau@gmail.com
Barker Funnies
Support the Birch Lake Yacht Club.
Pay your dues!
We are still accepting 2023 dues. As this calendar year ends and are accepting dues, donations and contributions to a variety of funds ... please don’t forget the Birch Lake Yacht Club. Remember the spectacular 4th of July fireworks, the reports in the Barker about steps taken to keep the good water quality on our lake, and so many other events and activities sponsored and produced by the club? We can’t do all this without your support. Please pay dues online or mail to Deb Spratt, BLYC Treasurer. You can pay your dues and
make donations and contributions at http://birchlakeyachtclub.com, or fill out the form on this page and send a check (made out to BLYC) to: Deb Spratt (see form at left for mailing instructions and address).
Birch Lake Home Owner's Association,
the quiet committee
At the annual meeting in August the committee was asked about the benefits of being a member of the BLHOA. I guess we don’t toot our horn too loudly but we liked the question and want to address it. Below are some of the items that the Home Owner’s Committee has worked or is working on. Please feel free to call any of our committee members to address your questions, comments or concerns:
• Hired a lawyer to look at the Porter Township ordinances to determine if there are any “red flags” that we should be concerned about and addressing. We wanted to be proactive and not reactive. It was determined that there were no glaring issues affecting our properties.
• Worked with the Cass County Park Department to repair the boat landing. Coordination between all of the entities took time and there may be more to do in the future but the work has given us better launching and loading of our boats.
• No Powerloading sign at the landing. Please remember not to powerload your boat onto your trailer. This is when you gun your motor so your boat is thrust onto the trailer. This has caused a large crater at the end of the ramp. We have also been in contact with the pier companies and requested that they do not powerload their boats and equipment as well.
• Alerted the authorities about the condition of the parking lot at the landing.
• While we do not agree with the Park Department (and are on record as saying so) installing a Port-a-Potty at the landing between Memorial Day and Labor Day we were able to get them to enclose the unsightly item on 3 sides.
• We continue to monitor state, county, township and local laws that might affect our property values. Members of the HOA and other residents of the lake sit on local boards and report back. Some of these include:
• Bubblers
• Lighting ordinance
• Air Bnb issues
• School referendums
• Lawless Dark Sky Park
• Recycling
• Mail issues
• Gun laws
• Bladder boats
• Neighbor issues
• Power lines
• Slow Down Signs
• Courtesy Campaign in the Barker
BLYC, Facebook and other 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 Barker).
Just one more
After a multi-year absence the Ego, a Melges Ecow of Mr. Bob (King, north side), has returned to birch Lake. Above it is seen sailing with his crew the day it launched. Rumor has it that it might just make it out again some time this week ...