Crooked Lake Yacht Club

December 13, 2005

To: All members of the Crooked Lake Yacht Club (Past, Present, and Future)

From: Roger Winslow, Commodore

Seasons greetings from beautiful Crooked Lake.

This letter is intentionally addressed to all who are, have been, or may in the future be a part of the club. As we all know, times change and the nature of the uses and users of the lakes have changed. For fifty five years the Crooked Lake Yacht Club has successfully served the water activity and social needs of its members. The club will be able to continue in this role for many years to come if we are able to add new uses and activities that will bring in new members. The good news is that we own a valuable piece of lake front property and have an enthusiastic core membership of about sixty families. The bad news is that the member roles decline each year and several major capital expenditures are imminent (more on this later).

This is an exciting time. We have assembled a group of club trustees who have accepted the responsibility to define and invigorate our club for the future. This group will be headed by Dan Rupp, a long time member and sailing enthusiast. The goal is to prepare and distribute a plan of action by March 2006 in time for summer implementation. As you can see from the enclosed “think paper”, Dan has already done a great deal of work. Dan has established a website. Go to it at: www.crookedlakeyc.org. We will use this to keep you updated on this strategic planning process. Dan has a toll free telephone number 1-877-290-3587 which can be used for input or questions. Written input can be provided by email at drr@ltbay.net or by U.S. Mail to PO Box 195 Oden, MI 49764. Now it’s up to you! Help us redefine and invigorate the club that has proved so many friendships, good times, and summer fun.

On to a discussion of the current financial situation and the projected needs. We have successfully repaired the ice damaged seawall for the time being. In fact, it looks better than it has for several years. A long term, major rebuilding of the seawall will cost in excess of $10,000. To put the club in first class condition, with facilities that will attract future sustaining members, we have developed a list of needed improvements and upgrades:

New roof on building (an immediate need): $2,500

Canoe, kayak, sunfish storage racks, and launch ramp: $3,000

Boating, sailing, and swimming program: $2,500 per year

Replace old dock: $3,000

Member use rental slips: $20,000 per 10 units

Parking solutions (on site): $4,000

Some good news – the officers and trustees have decided to put off the dues increase approved at the 2005 annual meeting until after the strategic planning process has been completed and recommendations implemented. Therefore, the 2006 dues will remain as they were last year.

Finally, the last discussion item is an appeal to all of you who have good feelings and pleasant memories of the Crooked Lake Yacht Club. If you wish to continue this experience for future generations, please consider a financial donation to our club. The above list of expenses, at first glance overwhelming, can be possible if our members help make it happen!

I look forward to hearing from everyone and working together to produce exciting plans for the club’s future.

Thank you in advance, Happy Holidays

Roger Winslow