ST. MARTINS POINTERS ASSOCIATION, INC

SUMMER 2010 NEWSLETTER

PO Box 266

                                Hessel, MI 49745

President: Rev. Duane Thon     

Vice-President: Rev. Dorothy J Thon

Secretary: Rich Gray

Treasurer: Sue Deaner

Marina/Park Team Leader: Jay Hills

Social Team Leader: Jo Kurlonko

Environmental Team Leader: Phil Milan

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Rev Duane Thon djthon@hotmail.com

Welcome back dear friends and neighbors who have spent the winter elsewhere. It is Spring and almost Summer on our Point. Once again I would like to say how pleased I am to work with a Board that cares and not only commits but also carries out the work that has been laid out for us. The “Team” concept has made the accomplishments that you see everywhere on the Point come true.

I want to congratulate the Marina Team, headed up by Jay Hills, on the continued transformation of plans realized. Has it ever been better?

How about our road? Thank you Gary Koben for your labors to keep our road in such a good condition – many positive comments. Thank you to everyone who is on the two Gate Teams – everything is looking so nice and welcoming.

It seems to me that all our Teams and projected projects have come into frution as a result of dedicated efforts on the part of those who really care to make our community a joyous place to be in summer and/or winter.

This year we have new residents, Linda & John Fabian. I have met them and feel we are blessed to have more quality people who care about community and have already made a personal impact.

Our By-laws Team has done a remarkable job over the past two years to review, revise and edit them. We've made no sweeping changes to the By-Laws, only cleaned them up. Most of the changes have resulted in clearing up ambiguities, grammatical, and punctuation type adjustments. At this point the proposed revised copy was submitted to a non-interested attorney for review and his major suggestions were concerning format and organization to conform to Michigan Statutes, minor adjustments throughout all ten pages where appropriate, language and some other recommendations. The Board was very surprised that his fee was very reasonable. On May 15, 2010 the Board met and unanimously approved the final copy.

Let me recognize our Team: Phil Milan, Jim Carpenter, and myself from beginning to the end when the final draft was submitted to the Board for approval. Thank you Dorothy Thon for all your hard work to word process, proof read, copy, and distribute through USPS mail to the paid membership of the Association.

I also want to mention two people who were on the Team and also submitted suggestions: Kari Abbott, who moved off the Point; and Kent Johnson, who unfortunately had to step aside but had submitted a significant number of excellent suggestions and comments -Many thanks to both of them.

I encourage you to attend the Annual Association Meeting on Saturday, July 3, 2010; 10 a.m. at Mead’s Landing. Remember to bring your own chair. We have one opening on the Board this year.If you wish to nominate someone or to have your name on the ballot, please call Rich Gray at (phone numbers) or email rhgray@comcast.net" please remember that all nominees must be members in good standing.

It has been a joyous challenge to serve you this year and receive such positive support. Let’s keep it going with continuity in 2010/2011.

Your President,

Rev. Duane G Thon

A WORD FROM THE Vice-President

Rev. Dorothy J Thon djthon@hotmail.com

It has been another great year for the Association. And it has been a fantastic year weather wise. Mild winter – though we do need the snow and rain for the lakes – and an absolutely beautiful spring. I am coming to the close of my fourth year on the Board. It has truly been a blessing to serve the Association and the membership these past years. So much has been accomplished as well as some new projects and avenues for fellowship and community togetherness. It has also been a blessing the number of property owners who are members of the Association. This brings me to my bit of news.

We are now collecting dues for 2010/2011. The dues are low at $40 a year of which $5 goes into the marina fund. As you can see, we have been using those funds to accomplish many projects at Mead’s Landing (marina) and as you will note in Jay Hills message we others in the works. The rest of the dues payment goes to the general fund which helps us cover administrative cost – such as mailing out newsletters, and other correspondence, as well as providing food and beverage items for our gatherings, property taxes and insurance on Association owned property, electricity at Mead’s Landing, annual incorporation fee to the state, rent on the mail box, port-a-john at Mead’s Landing, and memorial donations, plus other needs as they arise.

As a dues paid member of the Association you have full use of Mead’s Landing, the marina boat launch, access to the road to Miami Beach, use of all Association owned easements, and voice and vote at our annual meeting.Non-paid property owners are not entitled to the use of the above mentioned areas. On the last page of this Newsletter you will find an Association dues slip; it is my hope that we exceed 70 paid members for 2010/2011.

You have ninety (90) days from date of billing, June 3, 2010, in which to pay your dues. You may give them to Sue Deaner, or mail them to the Association address listed on the payment slip, or you may pay them at the Annual Meeting on July 3, 2010.

Enjoy your summer and may it be a fun and safe one for everyone.

Rev Dorothy J Thon

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Rich Gray rhgray@comcast.net 248-652-8109

I want to thank Rev Duane Thon, the former Secretary, and Rev Dorothy Thon for their continued support in executing the Secretary’s responsibilities and for their continued lead on the Newsletter.

In addition to my role as Secretary I have been consolidating ideas and suggestions for the Pavilion at the Marina Park in conjunction with Jay Hills. We have received excellent input from several members and have progressed to the point that we should be in position to review and approve the plan at the annual meeting. Construction could begin this year pending permit approvals, final material quotes, construction volunteers, and final fund raising. Details will be reviewed at the annual meeting.

To help maintain communication and reduce cost please send me an email if your mailing address or email changes and if you can help us reduce mailing and printing expense by receiving future communications only by email.

Rich Gray

TREASURE REPORT

Sue Deaner

Our total current assets are $18,748.36. The following is a breakdown of those accounts and balances;

The Association has two Certificates of Deposit at First National Bank of St Ignace. Each $1,000 CD earned $21.93 interest in the past year, for a total value of $1,045.57.

The Association checking account balance is $5,911.60. This account contains 5 different funds as shown in the balance sheet. The gate, pavilion, park/marina and dredging accounts are funded by donations. The general fund is where all dues/memberships money is kept.

The marina savings account at First National is mostly from the $5 of each membership that is put towards the marina each year.

And lastly the Marquette Township Road Assessment Fund is $10,238.40, generated by your road tax assessment.

I would like to note one “small” item in this account. The account, which is at Huntington Bank, earned a whopping .79 cents interest in the first quarter of 2010 on a balance of over $10,000.

IRS/EIN/Fidelity Bond / New charity rulings

Over the past year the Board has investigated the possibility of obtaining insurance on our Association funds held in our checking/savings accounts. It was determined that a fidelity bond would be adequate for our situation. When we talked with Islands Insurance in Cedarville, they said we needed an “Employer Identification Number”. After contacting different government entities in the county, I went on line to the IRS and obtained an EIN for the Association. Because the form required a social security number, I provided mine.

Everything seemed to be in order, until December, when a letter arrived from the IRS inquiring why the Association had never filed a tax return. Thanks to Stan Kownacki, who had experience with this kind of situation with his work with Island Wildlife, we contacted Sue Bowlby at Anderson Tackman Accounting. Sue took our records and documents and within a few weeks we’re all straight with the US Government. She filed 4 years worth of returns for us, no tax due. The bill for this work was $380.

I was feeling like I had made a mistake getting the EIN, etc. Then just last month Jim Carpenter emailed us an article from www.USAToday.com about new regulations for nonprofits corporations filing tax returns. We are now “ahead of the game” for we have already met the requirements, so everything has for worked out for the good. We now can go ahead and purchase the fidelity bond.

Sue Deaner

SOCIAL DIRECTOR REPORT

Jo Kurlonko,  906-484-3288

We sort of started our Point social season with the cleanup at Meads Landing on May 29^th, having coffee and bagels with cream cheese for the crew of volunteers.

Our next get together will be the annual meeting to be held at Meads Landing on July 3^rd. We will be serving coffee and donuts this year with lemonade available if the weather is really hot.

The Point pot luck picnic is planned for August 14^th and as usual the Association will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and condiments. We will also supply paper plates, napkins, and plastic ware so that everyone attending can concentrate on the delicious salads, desserts, and other dishes they always bring.

Our last planned nice weather event will the BYOB Sunset at Meads Landing Cocktail Hour on October 2. We’ve scheduled it later this year to accommodate obligations in September and to give everyone a chance to get settled into the school year. By the first of October we should be ready to relax for a couple of days and say goodbye to summer with a cool drink and potluck hors d’oeuvres.

Looking forward to seeing old friends and new faces at all of these get-togethers this year.

Jo Kurlonko

Environmental and Conservation Report

Phil Milan &n=995232171">madphil@lighthouse.net

The Phragmites plant we referred to in the last newsletter as an alien plant species is widespread on the Point. After positively identifying it we have found it all up and down the shoreline and also beside the road.

We will be bringing samples of it to the annual meeting. Purple loosestrife and asian milfoil are also in the area and spreading fast. The milfoil is a water plant and is not prevalent out our way yet. It is a big problem in Cedarville Bay. There is purple loosestrife on the Point.

More information can be pulled up on the Internet at nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/phaul.htm

 We will discuss it at the annual meeting.                                

Phil Milan

ROAD REPORT

Sue Deaner

NO SNOW! That’s the big news. Our total snow plow bill for the entire winter season was $1,100. I averaged the past 9 years snow removal costs and it came to $2594, with a high of $5455 in 07-08 and this year’s low amount.

Gary Koben continues to patch and fill holes along the road. The Association “rents” Gary’s equipment and he donates his time operating the tractor. He used up most of the piles of gravel that were staged along the road, and Hessel Block has delivered more to be stockpiled for continued maintenance.

The chloride truck came this week to apply the dust control mixture. We are considering having a second application later in the summer if the dust reappears. Also, John Hills and his buddy have again been hired to cut and trim the trees and bushes in the ditches that would clog the road drainage if allowed to grow.

By the way, belated congratulations go to Gary and his fishing partner Jim Cornwell for their 2nd place win in last year’s salmon tournament.

The following information is from the Michigan ORV Law Handbook. More information is available at www.ecord-orv-edu.org

IN MICHIGAN IT IS ILLEGAL TO OPERATE AN ORV/ATV/UTV:

On any wetland, to include lakes, shorelines, wet or dry swamps, bogs and marshes;

In or across any stream creek or river;

On a Great Lakes’ beach, shoreline, sand dune or on beach grass;

On private property, posted or not posted, unless you have permission from the owner;

On a federal, state, county groomed ski trail or on the North Country (hiking) Trail system;

With a passenger on a one-up machine;

Without a helmet;

On State Roads or in State Parks;

On banked roadside hills, roadside dunes or in roadside ditches;

Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a suspended drivers license;

On gated/closed snowmobile trails;

Along this same line, Gary Koben has provided the Association with a newspaper article from the Grand Rapids Press that contains rulings and guidelines concerning the use of the shoreline. “A recent court ruling clarifies the age-old question of where property lines begin and end for Great Lakes beachfront homeowners, and where beachcombers can walk legally.”

The State Court of Appeals ruling on May 13, 2009 cites earlier law that confines public access along private beaches to the water itself. “The law contains no provision guaranteeing any member of the public the right to walk on a beach fronting private property along one of the Great Lakes.”

Justice Christopher Murray wrote in an opinion involving a Lake Huron Property dispute. The court identified the dividing line between public and private property as the water’s edge.

Meads Landing is our Association’s waterfront property and can be used to access the shoreline. We also have several access points to the shore for members use. These are currently unmarked narrow strips of land that sit between private properties. For further information, consult your St Martin Point Map, which is still available for $10. This map shows the lots, numbers, road, access points and property owners’ names. The money collected from the sale of maps goes to our pavilion fund.

Sue Deaner

MARINA REPORT

Jay Hills jhills5272@aol.com

Mead’s Landing is lookin’ better all the time thanks to the entire Marina Tteam, and a special thanks to John Crawford for his ever ready help.

We’re making progress on the new proposed pavilion. Thanks to the Mead – Giles families for their generous donation of $269 toward the pavilion in Butch Giles memory. The note from Sara Nettles says “At a Mead Reunion in February we Celebrated the life of our Cousin Colin” Butch” Giles. We would like to contribute to the Mead’s Landing Pavilion project in his memory. Butch was married to Carol Mead – James L Meads daughter. We all have many fond memories of the family and fun time at St Martin Point. As you know we continue to have Cousin Reunions at our cabin. We will all miss his presence this year.” The Association extends their appreciation for this family’s commitment to St Martins Point.

We have the location of the pavilion staked, but we still have need of more funds and people with carpentry skills. Please call me at 248-804-5670 with your questions and suggestions.

The port-a-john is in place for the summer and also we are asking pet owners to please pick up after their pets. A supply of doggie doo bags will available for your use. At this time we ask that you carry your pet waste home with you. Please do not put plastic bags down the port-a-john.

We also encourage you to stop by Mead’s Landing and check out the cool sign made by John Crawford. Many thanks to you John for the great sign.

Jay Hills

GATE REPORT

Sue Deaner

To all the people who came last Fall to spread mulch and plant flower bulbs, the beautiful spring yellow daffodils make it all worthwhile. I didn’t get a picture when they were at their peak, so if anyone did take a photo, would you send it to Marilyn Kraft to post on the St Martin Point Website?

Sue Deaner

POINT Garage SALES DAYS

Bob Kraft   MAKIronside@aol.com

We had twelve households participate in last year’s Point Garage Sales Day. Mark your calendars for this year’s Point Sale – it will be the second Saturday of July – July 10, 2010. Please contact Bob Kraft if you will be participating so he will know how many when he advertises the sale. The Association pays for the advertising. This year we would like everyone having a garage sale to put a garage sale sign on the road in front of their place and add balloons, if possible. This will help the “shoppers” know where to stop and shop!

Bob Kraft

POINT HISTORY STORIES

By SARA MEAD NETTLE

Harold G. Mead. 

All of Alton Meads brothers and sisters bought or built cabins at the Point.  This indicates the closeness of the family in yesteryear and continues through today.  My dad Harold - the oldest of the clan - was an avid hunter and fisherman all his life.  So the draw of the Upper Peninsula was a natural instinct for him.  Helping his brother develop the area was a joy for him as he could pursue his passion for the outdoors.  When things were slow in the shops in Detroit, he and his wife Ann would go up North-first to help out and then to build their cabin.   It was one of the first cabins built on the Point.  Dad even did a little commercial fishing for perch and herring. 

While dad loved the outdoors he loved his violin just as much.  Having had only eight violin lessons many years before in Beaverton, he played a pretty good country fiddle.  There were many late night jam sessions that lasted late into the night to the delight of family and friends. Harold passed away in December of 1966 and Ann in October of 1986. Thanks for the memories -- their daughter - Sara Mead Nettle.

OUR SYMPATHY TO:

We extend our sympathies to the family of Alice Sinclair, who passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Mrs. Sinclair was in her 90s and was one of the “long timers” on the Point. The Sinclair’s son continues with ownership of his parents cottage on the shore. 

The family of Colin “Butch” Giles who died February 20, 2010. Butch was born August 26, 1942 in Quincy MS to the late Henry & Mary Giles. He moved to Michigan in 1953 and graduated from Ferndale High in 1960.He owned and operated Giles Autobody in Inkster MI from 1979- 2007 and was an active participant at Flat Rock & Toledo Speedway.  He was a long time South Lyon MI resident and a dear friend and father who will be dearly missed. He is survived by his children:  Jeffrey (Cindy) Giles and Henry(Gina)Giles and his siblings:  Henry "Bud" Giles, Richard "Dick" Giles, Margret "Peggy" Beeker,   and Florence "Chris" Savalox. He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Jordan, Cheyenne, Jennifer Nelson and Justin Giles.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carole (Mead) Giles. 

We extend our sympathies to the family Robert Cataline who died earlier this year. Shirley Cataline still resides here in her pretty raspberry house.

We extend our sympathies to the family of Barbara Greenwho died March 23, 2010.

We extend our sympathies to Jo Kurlonko, whose mother died in January of this year; and to both Jo and Gordon Kurlonko for the loss of their daughter, Kathy, who died recently after losing her battle with cancer.

We extend our sympathies to Jean Kovacs, whose mother died in December 2009.

KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Gerald Moronczyk and his daughter Audra were in a terrible accident on I-75 in January. Audra is ok, but Gerald was seriously injured and is unable to work. The Moronczyk own a cottage next door to the Deaners. Gerald is the son-in-law of Ed and Diane Strasburg, on Stony Point Road.

St. Martin Pointers Association, Inc.

P.O. Box 266, Hessel, Michigan 49745

2010/11 Membership Dues

Name(s)_________________________________________________________________________

Point Address____________________________________________________________________

Other Address___________________________________________________________________

Point Phone________________________________Other Phone___________________________

E-mail address____________________________________Lot Number(s)__________________

Please indicate what you are paying and the amount:

Dues $40 _________________ Marina Donation _____________________

Pavilion Donation ______________________________

Thank you for paying your 2010/11 Membership Dues

And any additional donations you have made

ST MARTIN POINTASSOCIATION. ORG

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.stmartpt.org

PRESIDENT:

Rev. Duane Thon 

Vice Pres.

Rev. Dorothy Thon

ROAD COMMITTEE: 

Gary Koben and his Kubota head up the Road Committee for the point.