February 2010 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
P.O. Box 115 Belding, MI 48809

BPILA

Note from the President

2009 was a good year for our association. We have a healthy account balance with funds to support our projects and volunteers that are willing to contribute their personal time to our association activities. The lake is healthy and the sh are plentiful. There have been various home improvement projects going on around the lake and everything looks great. Winter is the time that we do our planning for the association. We plan to host the annual Fireworks display on Saturday July 3 and we will continue to support the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program to ensure a healthy lake for years to come. In addition to all the things we supported last year, we hope to introduce some new ideas. Some of the ideas include the following: Boater Safety classes for those new to boating. Educational materials (An Association Library). Closer monitoring of Phosphorus entering the lake (this contributes to algae growth) Supporting the Grattan Township Fire Department. Amendments to our association bylaws. These and other ideas will be discussed at our association meetings planned this winter and spring, so I encourage you to attend the meetings and give us your thoughts. If you are unable to attend but would like to share your thoughts on anything about the association, please send an email to me at bpilapresident@ gmail.com . The dates to these meetings are posted in this newsletter. We look forward to seeing everyone on the lake this summer.

NOTICE!!! Winter Meeting for the BPILA Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Grattan Twp. Hall 7:00 PM

Schedule for 2010 BPILA Quarterly Meetings

Winter Tuesday, February 16 Spring Tuesday, May 11 Summer Tuesday, July 20 Fall Tuesday, October 19 (Annual Meeting) All meetings will be at 7:00 PM and are located at the Grattan Township Hall. We encourage all BPILA members to attend. We welcome your input, and rely on your support to continue our efforts in maintaining our Lake and the surrounding neighborhoods. You can also access this schedule by going to our BPILA website at: http://home.comcast.net/~bpila/site/?home/

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MONDAY: BUY TWO SIZZLER DINNERS FOR $9.99 / TUESDAY: BURRITOS TWO FOR $10.99 - TRIVIA NITE 8:00PM; WIN A GIFT CERT. / WEDNESDAY: ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY $7.99 / THURSDAY: WELL SHOT, POP AND DOM. CANNED BEER $1.99 - $1 MILLER DRAFT / FRIDAY: BUY A BEVERAGE GET ONE FOR $1.00 8:00PM TIL CLOSING / SUNDAY: PIZZA $5.00 ALL BASKETS $1.00 OFF *Catering Available*

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History of the McArthur Family

By Kathy Kirkegard

Did You Know Seagulls Are A Protected Bird???

Neither did I until I rescued one this past Labor Day from the middle of BPI lake. The bird was upside down in the water, and upon closer look I noticed its left wing bone was protruding through its skin and feathers. Injured and unable to y, I thought the end was near for this little fella. After a quick call to the sheriffs department, I was referred to the Wildlife Rehab Center (WRC) in Grand Rapids Michigan. Located at 1504 Union Ave NE Grand Rapids (behind Kent Country Club) WRC operates a licensed, independent, nonprot, volunteer organization dedicated to offering the West Michigan area a reliable, high-quality resource for the rehabilitation of orphaned, abandoned, injured, or incapacitated wildlife with the goal of rehabilitation, release, and reintroduction into the wild. Last year, they re-released 75% of the animals, reptiles, and birds rescued. While at WRC, I saw every type of bird and animal imaginable. A few animals were permanent residents; others were on their way to a healthy release. It was truly a chaotic harmony of souls, and constant cackles and skirmishes reminded me of a typical childhood dinner with my eight older brothers and sisters. To learn more about this organization, see pictures of their residents, or offer a helping hand, go to their website at http://www.wildlife-rehab-center.org/index. htm, or call Peg Makle at 616-361-6109.

Before I begin I want to thank Dale and Gwen Stanton (Frank McArthurs Greatgranddaughter) for time they so willingly gave me and all the information and family photos G. Stanton provided to share with the BPILA members. She told of many childhood stories and memories; but unfortunately, Im not able to share everything. In future articles about MAC Drive area, I will try to include most of the stories Stanton shared. Frank McArthur was born in 1846 in Ohio and moved to Oakfield Township as a child. His childhood home was on Hart Avenue just west of Flat Iron Lake. As an adult he moved to Grattan Township. McArthur and his wife, with their 4 children, resided on Hefferon just east of McArthur Road, which included lake front along the Northeast portion of the lake (See plat map). To the left is a picture of the original house built in 1886. Unfortunately, this house burned down but was rebuilt (Picture left). Eventually, McArthurs homestead and property were sold to H. Herrickson. In 2003 the property was divided and lots sold for new homes. McArthur served six one year terms as the supervisor of Grattan Township (1893-1895 and 1902 1906). The second home was used as a re practice and burned down by the Grattan Fire Department in fall of 2005.

Dan Bailey, Lake Improvement Representative

Snowmobile Safety
HERE ARE SOME MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILE SAFETY REGULATIONS AS THEY PERTAIN TO OUR LAKE AND NEIGHBORHOOD: Within 100 feet of a dwelling between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward movement of the snowmobile. Upon the land of another without consent of the owner or their agent, as required by the recreational trespass act. To chase, pursue, worry or kill any wild bird or animal.

Winter fun.....

A Person Shall Not Operate a Snowmobile:

On the frozen surface of public waters within 100 feet of a person , including a skater, not in or upon a snowmobile or within 100 feet of a fishing shanty or shelter except at the minimum speed required to maintain forward movement of the snowmobile, or on an area that has been cleared for ice skating unless the area is necessary for gaining access to the public water.

of natural resources

For more information go to michigan.gov/department Drive safely and enjoy the winter sports!!!

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