February 2009 Newsletter

BOARD MEMBERS
President Tom Manikowski 691-7116 Vice President Jennifer Medema 691-7057 Secretary Lisa Zigmont 691-7995 Treasurer Paul Mulheisen 691-8501 Newsletter Pat Talbott 691-8501
FRIDAY - BUY A DRINK GET ONE FOR $1.00 10-12 SATURDAY KARAOKE SUNDAY BOGO FOR $1.00 12-5 WEDNESDAY ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH P.O. BOX 115 BELDING, MI 48809

BPILA

Note from the President

When 60 degree weather hit in February I was looking out at the lake hoping to see water skiers, but all I saw were ice shermen. But as sure as the sun rises every day, summer will be here again. As we near the warmer seasons of the year, I want to reassure the residents of our lake community that the Big Pine Island Lake Association exists to ensure that the quality of our lake is maintained. Let me remind each of you how we do this: Both Jen Medema and I are members on the Township Sewer Advisory Committee to ensure that the interest of Big Pine Island Lake is considered. Dan Bailey is an active member of the Township Lake Improvement Board and our resident expert that monitors water clarity, invasive vegetation, and eColi levels. Dan is also monitoring other aquatic species that are not welcome in our lake i.e. zebra mussels. The association board monitors the quantity of geese on the lake and will apply for a permit and organize a goose round up to balance the quantities. BPILA has active membership in the Cooperative Lakes Management Program and the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association to stay current on trends and other events as they relate to the lake in our state. We are always open to volunteers to assist in some of the activities, but most of all the association needs funding to get things done. So please complete the Membership Payment Form contained in this newsletter and mail your check to us. Without your help, the BPILA would cease to exist. In addition to lake quality we also want to ensure the quality of life in our community. Our plans for 2009 are: The greatly anticipated July 3 Fireworks Show. Safety Network. We are all tired of the theft and vandalism, and we are going to do something about it. If you are interested in learning more, please send me an email with your contact information. If you have an email address, let me put you on our distribution list for communication. This email list is not used for any other purpose. Lake Historian. How did our community develop, and who is in our past? Kathy Kirkbride has volunteered to be our Lake Historian to gather and assemble stories and pictures to tell us of a time gone by. If you have some pictures, or a story to share, please contact me and I will get you connected to Kathy. Feel free to send me an email with any comments or questions at bpilapresident@gmail.com. We look forward to your participation in 2009. PLEASE NOTE: The Presidents email address has changed since our last issue of this newsletter!

REMEMBER!!! Dont forget your 2009 BPILA Membership Dues!!!

SIZZLER DINNER - GOULASH - HAWAIIAN CHICKEN DINNER - HOME MADE POT ROAST - TERIYAKI CHICKEN BROILED LEMON PEPPER WHITE FISH - GRILLED PORK CHOP - CAESAR SALAD - WING DING BASKET - TACO PLATTER WET BURRITO - GRATTAN PRIME RIB PHILLY

KIDS EAT FOR $2.99 (KIDS MEAL 4 CHOICES) THURSDAY NIGHTS (UP TO 2 KIDS MEALS WITH 1 ADULT DINNER PURCHASE) YOU CALL IT $2.00 & KARAOKE 8-12

GRATTAN BAR & RESTAURANT

(MUST PURCHASE BEVERAGE FOR EACH DINNER) EXCLUDES ST. PATS DAY

MONDAY & TUESDAY 5-9 ECONOMIZER DINNER SPECIAL $6.99 FAMILY OF 4 UNDER $20.00

12 CHOICES

Ice Safety
Winter is a time for ice sports. Many of us look forward to ice shing, snowmobiling, skating or just a leisurely walk on our many frozen lakes. But one cannot be too safe. Be certain to check ice conditions prior to venturing onto the ice Clear blue ice is the strongest which should be at least 3 inches thick to hold a single person. A group of people should not go on the ice unless it is 5 to 6 inches thick. In case of an unfortunate accident and you nd yourself breaking through the ice do not panic. Do not try to climb out of the hole but kick your feet as to surface oneself to the top of the ice then roll onto the ice in order to disburse body weight and prevent breaking through the ice again. If a person should witness another in the water, call 911. Throw the victim a line to help pull him out. If you cannot reach the victim, distribute your weight on the ice by lying down, and then slide a ladder to the victim to help pull him out. Quick tips to remember: 1. Test the ice. 2. Beware! Winds and currents break ice. 3. Dress in layers. 4. Fish with a partner. 5. Dont gather in large groups. 6. No res on ice. 7. If you fall in, reach for solid ice, kick and roll to safety. 8. Dont drive cars onto ice. - by Lou Kirkbride

Grattan General Store

11767 Old Belding Rd., Belding, MI (616) 691-8131 Your Neighborhood Store BEER WINE LIQUOR PIZZA FISHING LICENSES AND BAIT

Winter Birds of Big Pine Island Lake

Because of the large wooded areas, the wetlands and approximately 220 acres of fresh water, Big Pine Island Lake offers a wonderful habitat for many species of bird. Be certain to keep your bird feeders lled, as this has been a harsh winter for our small feathered- friends. Birdfeeders can also provide the enjoyment of viewing many of the smaller birds that inhabit our lake area. Some of the more common small birds you may see around our lake in the winter are blue jays, cardinals, downy woodpeckers, goldnches, sparrows, the tufted titmouse, the black-eyed junco, the purple nch, the white-breasted and the redbreasted nuthatch and the black-capped chickadee. However, there are a number of migrating species that appear in ocks to feed on certain trees and bushes. If you have bushes or trees that produce berries in the winter, such as the Mountain Ash tree or a chokeberry or bayberry bush, you might even witness bluebirds or cedar waxwings feeding in ocks of 70 to 100 or more. Some residents of Big Pine Island Lake say they have occasionally glimpsed a Baltimore Oriole and an occasional Grosbeak. Some of the larger birds can also be found in the winter in Michigan.. There are many broad-winged hawks, Canada geese, wild turkeys and owls . You may occasionally see an osprey in migration. Some of us have even spotted an American eagle!! Have you seen any unusual small birds or fowl from the window of your home? If so, e-mail me or even send a photo (if you are quick enough with your camera) to: talbottresources@comcast.net.

Membership Dues:
Please complete the form below and mail it with your check for $20.00 payable to B.P.I.L.A. to : Big Pine Island Lake Assocation, P.O. Box 115, Belding, MI 48809
OPEN YEAR ROUND 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Mon. - Sat.

MAKE MORE MONEY & SELL FASTER

WHY PAY 7%, PAY OR LESS

Please enter name and address below: NAME:_____________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________ PHONE# ___________________________________ AMOUNT PAID: ___________________________ COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR LAKE ASSOCIATION GOALS AND PROJECTS FOR THE COMING YEAR: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

Producers, packagers and processors of fresh fruit

W FARMS

APPLES, RED TART CHERRIES & BLUEBERRIES

SusieM@grar.com 616-446-4695

13375 Belding Rd Belding, MI 48809 (616 ) 691-8802 BUY LOCAL!! Raw honey, maple syrup, frozen and dried fruits, cider, jams and jellies

Have questions or concerns? Contact your BPILA president at bpilapresident@gmail.com