PLCA President's Report, Summer 2020; Events, COVID-19, Updates
As COVID-19 protocols continue, your Board has decided to not publish a Newsletter this season, thus our first “Summer” President’s Message. The cost of the Newsletter production and mailing is largely offset by ad revenue. Your Board felt it was not appropriate to ask our supporters to pay for ads this year. We do want members to support these companies/services and their names and contact information are included in this communication. We also will promote them on the PLCA Facebook.
For the first time ever, your PLCA Board had a virtual meeting on May 17th. A lot was discussed and here are the changes for the 2020 season:
Canada Day Parade and Bar-B-Q
There will be no post-parade gathering on July 1st as in the past. We do hope to still have the parade, following COVID-19 guidelines at the time. A final decision will be made by June 24th.
Rock Bass Derby – July 11
There will be no gathering at Paudash Lake Marina to register, weigh-in or bar-b-q. We will still have a fishing derby but with a different format. Participants (members and non-members) need to register on-line (on our website here.
On Saturday, July 11th catch and keep as many rock bass as you can from sun-up to sun-down. Winners in the various age categories will be selected by the number of fish you catch. Take a photo of all your fish (laid out so the number can be seen and counted) and post it to our Facebook page here with your name.
Prizes will be gift certificates to the Paudash Lake Marina. Fish can be eaten, taken to the dump on your own or deposited into specially marked containers at a location to be determined. Full details will follow later this month.
PLCA Golf Challenge – July 18
This very popular event (held at Bancroft Ridge) is scheduled for July 18th, but it may be cancelled. We are waiting to see the COVID-19 rules as we get into July to see if it will be possible. Further updates will be sent later.
PLCA Regatta – August 1
Unfortunately this is cancelled for 2020.
PLCA Annual General Meeting – August 15
We “must” have an AGM under our by-laws but we expect this to be an online “zoom” meeting. The Foundation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA) is working on a way for them to host it for their association members (that we are). By way of this communication piece, the PLCA is giving our members notice of the AGM on August 15th, but the details will have to follow in July sometime.
Geocaching
Did you know that there are hundreds of “geocaches” around Paudash Lake? If you are looking for a fun family activity during this time of social distancing and family isolation, try getting the family out on a geocaching adventure (or you can go solo, if you like).
Geocaching is like a Treasure Hunt using the GPS in your phone to find little hidden gems. Each one is different and each “cache” has its own clues.
To get started, download the Geocaching app onto your phone. Create a basic account (you won’t need premium to start off), open the map to Paudash Lake and take a look at what awaits you! Hundreds of hidden treasures! Pick one and GO! The GPS will guide you until you get very close to the cache. Then you have to use your powers of observation to find it.
If you choose to open the cache, you may wish to use gloves or use hand sanitizer on your hands after touching it. (You don’t have to open the cache-you can log your find on the app rather than writing in the paper log inside the cache.) You can spend an hour, half a day or all day long – it’s up to you. And there are so many Geocaches, and there will be more to find tomorrow! And did you know – the Municipality of Highlands East is the “Geocaching Capital of Canada” with 7 hamlets welcoming visitors: Irondale, Gooderham, Tory Hill, Wilberforce, Harcourt, Highland Grove and Cardiff. Hundreds of geocaches have been hidden throughout the region waiting to be found.
The PLCA has placed 2 caches on the lake as well, and more will be available in the future. So get out and discover roads, lakes, rivers, buildings and landmarks that you probably didn’t even know existed – all within a short drive or hike from Paudash Lake! GET GEOCACHING!
Speed/Wake Signs
Your association has ordered appropriate signage to put in various narrow spots on the lake. We have discussed already with some owners at these locations who will post them at the water’s edge. If you feel your location needs one, please let us know at info@paudashlake.org
Member Survey
This was done in 2019 and the response was very good. Watch for the results on our website in July.
Lake Health Report
The PLCA purchased these very detailed reports about our lake and others in Haliburton County. Many members picked up one for free at Landing Point Marine last year, but there are still quite a number not collected yet. Please go there and ask for yours.
If you remember, all of Paudash Lake (Upper and Lower) properties were catalogued two and three years ago; confidential personal reports were sent to all property owners (members and non-members). The report available at the marina has details on the results of the shoreline and water assessments.
Lake Water Testing
As you know PLCA volunteers test the water quality a few times per year for phosphorous, oxygen and clarity. Last summer we participated in a “Citizen Science Project” across Central and Eastern Ontario lakes to determine the presence of the invasive species zebra mussel and spiny water flea. We have the results and all of Paudash Lake tested negative – we do not have them.
Membership
The membership committee had big plans to grow our numbers beyond 250 this season but COVID-19 has made some of this not possible. We continue to count on our existing members to encourage neighbours who are non-members to join – only $35. /year. Anyone can join on our website.
Other News
North Hastings Community Hatchery
As you know, Paudash has been the recipient of nearly 30,000 stocked lake trout over the past six years and this program is continuing for another 5 years. Unfortunately, this past winter a disease of some sort got into their water at the hatchery and the cause is still under investigation. Until they learn if the fish are safe, no stocking will take place.
Shoreline Contest
The Bancroft Area Stewardship Council (BASC) sponsored this and provided 100 trees/shrubs and the planting of them to the winner. A deserving winner was Sarah Coupland on Lower Paudash. The project was completed in May and an article/photos appeared in the Bancroft Times.
North Hastings Community Cupboard Food Bank
Thanks to 36 members and 17 non-members the PLCA fundraising project raised $4,710. for the Bancroft Food Bank. A cheque for this amount was presented to Amanda Stone, the treasurer, on June 10th. All donors will receive their tax receipt from NHCC by the end of 2020. Well done and it was much needed in these difficult times.
COVID-19 and the Environment
These are certainly different times for humans, but not really for the fish, birds and other wildlife. The water, shoreline and cottage properties are not really affected directly by COVID-19 either. However, the changes we people have had to make because of COVID-19 probably will help the quality of the lake water; the re-naturalization of the shoreline; and a less timid wildlife. Let’s continue to build on this as we re-open over the rest of the year.
Our Business Community
As important as the natural elements are to our lake enjoyment, so too are the various businesses that serve the area. Let’s support them as often as we can. Here is a list of past advertisers in our Newsletters:
the OLD TIN SHED www.theoldtinshed.com 613-332-6565
ReMax Country Classics Ltd. www.tedremax.com 1-800-663-4193
R & J Machine (Docks, Boat Lifts, Railways) www.rjmachine.ca 1-800-461-7638
Miller Pest Control www.millerpestcontrol.ca 1-866-858-2152
Cooney’s Tree Removal http://www.cooneystreeremoval.com/ 613-334-9451
Pure Water Solutions www.purewater-solutions.com 613-334-1482
Paudash Lake Marina Ltd. http://www.paudashlakemarina.ca/ 613-339-2600
Century 21 All Seasons Realty Ltd. https://bancroftwaterfront.com/ 613-332-9080
Hudson Henderson Insurance Brokers www.hudsonhenderson.com 1-888-522-4999
BK Tree Service https://bktree.ca/ 613-334-0861
Bowes & Cocks Limited www.platinumteam.com 613-334-5316
White Medical Aesthetics www.whitemedicalaesthetics.com 613-202-1400
Creighton Docks & Boat Lifts Ltd. cdbbancroft@gmail.com 613-332-4183
Apsley Pharmacy Fax 705-656-1764 705-656-3301
Mike Thomas, President, PLCA
info@paudashlake.org
“Laughter is the best medicine.”