KAPOA Regatta
A short rain shower didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at the Aug 2015 KAPOA regatta! The proliferation of sun tents on the beach meant that most folks were able to grab temporary shelter before resuming positions on the beach for the final events of the day.
Again this year, we had lots of participation for the men’s freestyle swim race, requiring our race staff on the dock to organize two heats, and a break in between to allow the competitor’s to rest up for the final. Jason Wright squeezed out a win in both this race and the backstroke amongst a very fast field. The noodle races were again popular amongst the very young and very young at heart. The judges may be reviewing an earlier ruling that has allowed the noodle to be thrown ahead of the swimmer, but it was Mary Bird that captured the crowd with her very honest third place finish.
When the day’s swim and canoe races wrapped up, we had a repeat performance of all of last year’s trophy winners. The women’s swim trophy was awarded to two first place finishers in their respective age categories: Lindsay Cox and Sara Hansen. The men’s swim trophy was awarded to Ian Cox, clearly showing that the Cox family of Blackfish Bay continues to be a force to contend with in the water. Gabriel Coutu repeated his Best Overall Competitor trophy win, due to wins in both canoeing (with partner Max) and swimming.
Photographer/journalist Branden McCrea of the Valley Gazette was invited abourd KAPOA member Rick Prociuk’s pontoon boat (second year for this safety boat duty and we thank them both for their photos and support.
On the sailing front, we received results in the late afternoon that Dave Minty in his Laser took the trophy over John & Marie Craig (2nd) and William Cahoon (3rd). The competition conditions were tame compared to the high winds of the previous days, to the relief of our organizer William.
The sand castles were again creative and accompanied by wonderful stories of teamwork and inspiration. Our judges Glenda Jean and Amanda enjoyed their judging duties and the awarding of winning certificates to all participants. That amount of hard work over the course of the afternoon deserves recognition.
Through the sale of hot dogs that were generously donated by ValuMart and the Pyz family, drinks donated by Cathy Pitts Realty, and a 50/50 draw, we are able to raise funds to cover the regatta costs again this year. Brittany Welton of Toronto won $215 in the draw, making this both a fun and lucrative day for her. Stanley Sajnovic was clearly surprised to have won a half hour ski or wake board lesson on the lake with Bob Millar, and Sheila Hutchinson left with a gift bag of natural products donated by Home Hardware. Home Hardware also provided literature and free samples to our membership earlier in the day to showcase the variety of natural products that they have to offer.
The day wrapped up with the junior and senior tug of war competitions at the water’s edge. four junior teams competed for the first place win, with junior Team 3 taking the title with their very powerful anchorman. The adult competition was a closer finish this year than anticipated. The Barbarians prevailed, but not without a strong fight from senior Team 4.
This annual event would not be possible without the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers. Whether arranged in advance, or just pulled off the beach, our volunteers jump in and help out with a smile. Many thanks to everyone who assisted with set-up, take-down, judging of all events and tallying results, barbecuing and selling 50/50 tickets. Each job is integral to the day’s success.
We look forward to seeing returning and new participants to the 2016 regatta . Have a great remaining summer!
Kerra Wylie and Lynne MacLean
Poker Run Total $10,350
With great effort and organization, each year’s ‘Think Pink’ contributions to our local SFVH Foundation (hospital) have improved from $6,000 to $9,230 to $10,200 this year. With cumulative donations already totalling over $25,000 and everyone’s continued support, we are hopeful we can continue this upward trend.
Thanks go to the fifty- some $200 per boat donors; the approximately 18 BOGO and other sponsors; our partner, the Valley Gazette newspaper; the SFVH Foundation staff; dock staff issuing cards; and the KAPOA Poker Run committee numbering about eight people.
Please note that we started this charitable project on the premise that we would not be making ongoing donations from members’ dues, other than funding start-up expenses with seed capital to buy assets such as additional banners and folding tables, etc. All of these items have been and will be used for other events such as the regatta, Bay Day, Corn Roast, Appetizer Party, and the recent Live, Play & Eat event.
Expenses such as the annual $1,100 for insurance can arbitrarily be charged out wherever, realizing that we don’t pay any additional for insurance for these many other events or just the regatta & directors’ coverage alone as was the case originally.. The bottom line, factoring out purchase of assets, KAPOA would show a profit of about $400 rather than the indicated loss of approximately $200. The Poker Run virtually breaks even while bearing other overhead expenses. This event goes a long way towards improving our relationship with the community and communicates our willingness to positively contribute to both our neighbours and ourselves.
Appetizer Party Sunny weather added to the enjoyment of those participating in the 2015 edition of the Kamaniskeg Lake Appetizer Party capably hosted this year by Jolanta & Roman Sakowski at their residence on the shores of Kamaniskeg. Their beautiful new deck, shown in the picture, got a great workout and provides a wonderful view of the lake. Thanks to the Sakowski family for sharing their home with us all on this wonderful day. We will surely be looking for a 2016 host to carry on this fine social tradition. We will surely be looking for a 2016 host to continue this fine social tradition. Please volunteer for 2016?
KAPOA AGM
The 2015 KAPOA AGM was held on Sunday July 26 at the Combermere Community Centre, located beside the Fire Hall. MV Mayor, Kim Love & HH Mayor, Vivian Bloom, both made presentations providing an update of their respective municipalities. A wide-ranging question and answer period followed providing insight into local political issues.
KAPOA Membership
KAPOA membership seems to be remaining constant at about 250 paid-up members and fluctuates depending mostly on the availability and efforts of the Area Membership Reps with mileages varying substantially.
KAPOA By-Laws
In 2013, KAPOA became registered as a not-for-profit corporation, but held off preparing and voting on by-laws because new legislation was then apparently imminent. After restarting revision of our by-laws, we learned again that the provincial legislation is apparently due either later this fall — or next spring latest, and with legal advice, we have again opted to hold off to avoid incurring costs and duplication of effort.
Lake Partner Program
Water quality seems to be acceptable and constant in terms of of visibility and phosphate levels according to our Lake Partner program test results. Thanks to George Zurakowski for the following links: Total phosphorus; Turbidity / Secchi Depth (Please note that falling Secchi Depth indicates greater turbidity); Other Data.
Algonquin Land Claims
Status update indicates that the Agreement in Principle (AIP) has now been signed by both the provincial and federal governments, soit’s now up for acceptance by the Algonquins. Apparently the Algonquins are looking at the recent BC court settlement and wanting additional benefits, along with the already-negotiated benefits. The number of registered Algonquins has apparently been reduced as membership status by one eighth blood has been successfully contested by full bloods. There may not be an agreement any time soon.
MPAC Assessments
KAPOA, like other nearby cottage associations, shares the problem of many cottage properties not being passed to their children, frequently because the next generation cannot afford the associated tax burdens. Compounding this problem is the observation by real estate professionals that, in many cases, MPAC assessments are far too high. We plan to add a page to our recently redesigned KAPOA web site, thanks to webmaster, Evan Croskery, that contrast both listings and recent sale prices of properties in our area MPAC assessed values. We hope to enlist real estate professional assistance in this endeavour. This information should help you in your efforts to substantiate a claim for a significant assessment reduction. Stay tuned and we’ll provide a link when there’s something to see in this regard.
Board of Directors
KAPOA enjoys a new slate of directors presented by acclamation at the AGM and are listed below. As usual, the selection of directors is determined by the KAPOA members (even to the extent of requesting additional nominations from the floor at the AGM) and then at a special meeting of these directors after the AGM, the various individual positions are filled by votes of these directors as is in accordance with most associations’ by-laws, (ie the individual positions are not selected/voted by the membership at large).
2015 – 2016 KAPOA Directors nominees – acclaimed
Dave Wilson – President
Bob Millar – Vice-President
Vince Steepe – Treasurer
Robin Lowry – Secretary
Kerra Wylie – Regatta
Roelf Beukens – Flows & Levels
Jeneene Brunton – Membership Secretary
Lynne MacLean – Public Relations
Bob Tatarski – Communications
Kamaniskeg Lake Fish Studies 2014 & 2008
Please check the KAPOA web site for the MNR’s Kamaniskeg Lake Broad Scale Fish Studies for 2014 & Kamaniskeg Lake Broad Scale Fish Studies for 2008 . If you recognize all the species by the names shown in these reports, you probably should work for the MNR.
Future Events Update
KAPOA Annual Corn Roast Saturday 2015 Sept 5 Hinterland Beach Park @ 5:30 – Everyone welcome!
Henson Lighted Boat Parade Saturday 2015 Sept 5 assemble @ 8:00 pm ETD 8:30 @ Hinterland Beach – Everyone welcome!
Directors Meeting Sunday 2015 Sept 6 9:00 – 12:00 @ Wilson residence 668 Kamaniskeg Lake Road – Directors only
Area Membership Reps & Appreciation Mtg Sunday 2015 Sept 6 12:00 @ Wilson residence 668 Kamaniskeg Lake Rd after Directors meeting
Hastings Highlands (HH) & Madawaska Valley (MV) Update MV traded operations manager, Adrian Tomasini to HH effective Aug 10, for future consideration.
This trade follows the recent CAO trade also to HH of Pat Pilgrim. We wonder if HH is staffing up for a playoff run like the Toronto Blue Jays? Local resident, CAO Craig Kelly is already capably filling the CAO position in MV and the search is on for a new ops mgr so it may be time to freshen up your resume and apply..
KAPOA Corn Roast 2015/09/05 Weather Permitting We’re bringing back the Kamaniskeg Annual Corn Roasts to Hinterland Beach Park on the Saturday Sept 5 of the Labour Day long weekend. Come by car or come by boat for a feast starting at 5:30 p.m. Bring chairs and your own beverages and get ready for some great eating!
Parade of Lights 2015/09/05 The Feaver Hensons are at it again. Prepare your boat with colourful lights to join the fourth annual Parade of Lights ( lighted boat parade ) starting at about 8 – 8:30 Labour Day Saturday Sept 5 from the Hinterland Beach Park.. Open to all with details to follow.
Beware – Local Plant Problems Reported
Joining the dangerous plant Most (Un)Wanted List, already including Giant Hogweed reported previously, is the Valley Gazette report of ‘Wild Parsnip spotted in Renfrew County and it’s already in HH as well. While on the topic of noxious issues, a (previously mentioned) potentially toxic Blue-Green Algae bloom was recently spotted on Muskrat Lake in Renfrew County. So report if you spot and do not touch, or drink the water, even after boiling.
Interlake Meeting
A meeting of about a dozen local cottager associations is scheduled for Sat Sept 19 at the Ashgrove Inn in Barry’s Bay. This provides the associations executives with the opportunity to learn more about many issues in common and how they can best be resolved by working together. This year we anticipate speakers for Water Quality, Algonquin Land Claims, and Hydro One Costs. This all day session is by invitation only but this note is included to communicate that your KAPOA board works hard to warrant your $20 annual dues.
Neighbourhood Bat Watch
Cottagers are requested to report the locations of bat colonies to the Bat Watch web site . Learn more about these amazing creatures while helping with locations.
Barry’s Bay Public Tennis Court to be Resurfaced
The Lakeshore Tennis Club was extremely pleased and grateful to receive the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Grant for $50,000. The financial support from the Federal Government helps the mission to resurface the two tennis courts and build a tennis community in the Township of Madawaska Valley.
Sailing is Great!
Sailing can add great enjoyment to your cottage lake experience.
1/ Need help with a sailboat you haven’t used in some time?
2/ Need the equipment assessed , suggestions how to rig , how to store ?
3/ Need crew – would you like to be on a list that needs crew?
4/ Would you like to be on a list that would like to help crew or just go for a sail ride?
5/ Would you like suggestions about what type of sail boat is suitable for the specific conditions of Lake Kamaniskeg?
For help, please contact any of the following: Dave Minty 613 756 2565; John & Marie Craig 613 756 6922; Bill Cahoon 613 756 6222
E-Transfer KAPOA Membership Dues
The newly implemented (and now successful, after some difficulties) e-transfer system for paying KAPOA dues, allows you to pay your KAPOA dues without straying from your computer so please see below for more detail. Apparently the neighbouring Round Lake Association already has more than 50 members paying dues by e-transfer, having just introduced the process and Papineau Lake is now at just about half of memberships being paid by e-transfer. Both have Area Reps as well, so that seems to be the future trend.
Interac E-Transfer your $20 membership dues to pay.kapoa@gmail.com . When you log into your own bank site, look for the Transfers tab and next, the Interac e-Transfer tab and then follow the instructions. Keep the security question simple, with the answer being ‘kamaniskeg’, (single word, all lower case letters, and watch for typos )? In the comments section, include your cottage owner name and your 911 street address so the payment can be cross checked and a 911 sticker can be mailed out when available. This is the fastest and easiest way to pay if you bank on-line and the bank charges to you for E-Transfers are typically not much more than the cost of an envelope and postage.
This message is being emailed to over 450 folks interested in the Kamaniskeg events and well-being. Feel free to forward it to other like-minded people who are welcome to freely subscribe to receive future KAPOA bulletins and newsletters.
Stay safe and enjoy the sun and heat that we hope August will bring. Best regards. KAPOA
