SPRING 2010 PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER by Brian Markham

Spring has arrived on Bella and Rebecca and our plans for the summer have begun.  As the new president of the Bella-Rebecca Community Association, I have found this past year to be a great learning experience.  

On the lakes, the Association sponsored a water testing program, a fire inspection, the Boom sailing program and the Look-See-Paint class.

Last year I was invited to be part of the Sinclair Advisory Committee which is chaired by our councillor Ginny Burgess.  My sincere thanks go to Ginny for holding these informative meetings as well as her constant vigilance on our behalf. 

I also attended Township and District meetings.   

Have a wonderful summer at our lakes. 

BRCA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday, July 3, 2010  10:00 amBilly Bear Lodge Hall

·        AGM is preceded by the Mabel Hart Brook & Marian Hill Memorial Foundation meeting, 9 am

·        Thanks to Mary Harding for the use of Billy Bear and the ice cream social after the meeting

·        Thanks to Larry Greenwood for coffee & pastries (Please bring your coffee mug)  

Bella-Rebecca Executive:                                              

President: Brian Markham   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

V. P.  Rebecca:  Ann Fenton     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

V. P.  Bella:  Peter Ham             This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it           (nominated) 

Secretary:  Ron Barry                 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                                    

Treasurer:  Rita Bloem              This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                

Lake Reps:  Bella:  

Blake Hutcheson          This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it          -One position open     

Rebecca:

Cathy Greven            This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                   Janet McLean                             This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it               

Foundation President:  Larry Greenwood     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

 Election:  Past President Richard Hogg will hold nominations for Bella Vice President.  

Thank you to our committees for all your hard work on our behalf.

2010 Directory: The new Directory was mailed to paid members.  There will be extra copies available at the AGM for $10 each. 

Membership: Membership dues remain at $40. We encourage multiple families using a single cottage to utilize separate memberships.  

2010 Stewardship Awards: Please nominate someone for the Stewardship Award on the form you received with your dues notice or visit the website www.brca.on.ca . 

Pleasure Craft Operator Card: As of September 15, 2009, everyone must have a card to operate a pleasure craft.   If you need to take the test, visit: http://www.boatsmartexam.com/ 

Fire Prevention & Safety: Cathy Greven will be organizing another fire inspection to be announced at the AGM.  

Regatta:  Please join us for the Regatta.  I am pleased to announce that our new Regatta Chair is Shelly Greer.For a list of events, refer to our website www.brca.on.ca . 

 Bring your trophy to the AGM or return it to the Pauze cottage, 1065 Kell's Bay Road, Rebecca Lake by July 4th. Trophies MUST BE RETURNED by July 4th to allow for repairs, polishing & engraving.

Corn Roast:  Come and enjoy corn, hotdogs and lots of friendship.  Thanks to our Vice Presidents Ann and Peter.

 Township of Lake of Bays News: As a result of the increase in the bear population and certain residents feeding these bears, Council sent a resolution to the Ministry supporting an addition to the Wildlife Act prohibiting the feeding of dangerous wildlife.  

At a Special Council meeting on March 27^th, 2010, the overwhelming feeling was to spend our tax dollars on improving infrastructure and not to hire a Community Coordinator.  Our municipality only receives 19% of our tax dollar, with the District getting 46%, and education 35%.Billy Bear Road and Fieldale Road are projected to receive a slurry seal in 2011 in the amount of $96,000.  

A Strategic Plan for Lake of Bays as a result of public input, our municipal council has developed a strategic plan.

Valuing:

·        Responsible leadership

·        A healthy sustainable natural environment

·        A sound economy

·        Quality of life for all

·        The allure of our Surroundings

·        Our heritage Strategies:

·        Engage and communicate openly with the community

·        Develop a sustainable local economy that supports our Vision

·        Ensure sound, innovative, transparent financial planning

·        Develop long-term land, lake and community plans that are balanced and adaptive

·        Protect, preserve and promote our healthy natural environment

·        Work in collaborative partnerships

·        Develop our capacity to provide social services 

G8- June 25-27, 2010: Be aware of possible road closures.  

ARTISTS OF LIMBERLOST STUDIO TOUR, 2010August 14 & 1510:00 am – 6:00 pm. Several Artists from Bella & Rebecca will be participating. Pamphlets available at the AGM & Bulletin Boards 

MUSKOKA AUTUMN STUDIO TOUR, 2010 2 Weekends: September 25 & 26,  October 2 & 3  10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Susan Higgins, Cathy O’Mara & Brian Markham will have open studios.