I always become a little wistful at the end of another summer season on Big Basswood Lake, as the days shorten and the sun dips deeper into the southwest lakeshore at sunset. But crisp fall mornings, changes to our area's abundant fall foliage, and the emergence of autumn wildlife activity always make me smile.

I want to extend a special thanks to all members who participated in Big Basswood Lake Association's July 26, 2024, Annual General Meeting and summer BBQ social. It was a pleasure to reconnect with our members and hear your feedback regarding priorities for the coming year. I also want to recognize BBLA board member Cynthia Wood for her tireless BBQ coordination efforts, as well as Melwel Lodge for their gracious hospitality in hosting our meeting again this summer.

Again this year, we were fortunate enough to partner with the Sowerby Hall and Heritage Society and the North Shore Sentinel to sponsor two Heritage Evenings at the 12 Sided Barn. The first of these in July was the sequel to last year's "Goose and Gander" musical event which featured entertainment from local musicians as well as a second visit from our friends in Michigan. Special thanks to Marilyn Kellum for organizing this event.

The second event in August was a very interesting historical presentation on White Pine Logging on the North Shore by Art Groot. Please see the article in this newsletter about these important community events.

Finally, I would like to formally welcome our newest volunteer board members Christina Coutu, John Glaser, and Felix Rogers, each of whom has already provided valuable input during our September 30, 2024 board meeting. Welcome aboard!

This year's Fall/Winter BBLA Newsletter covers a number of important issues affecting the lake community. Headlines include updates and details regarding the proposed re-zoning of the Melwel Lodge property, which were discussed at a special pubic meeting on October 9, 2024, and subsequently approved by the Huron Shores municipal council. The newsletter also covers our ongoing municipal affairs engagement, an update from our newly formed BBLA membership sub-committee, and details regarding several new lake stewardship initiatives.

While our membership numbers have rebounded, we have yet to fully reach our pre-COVID pandemic totals. Our efforts to tackle issues that threaten the quality of life on our lake are more effective when backed by robust membership numbers. Your annual membership in the Big Basswood Lake Association also provides several tangible benefits:

• Annual events focused on lake stewardship, area history, ongoing education.
• Automatic membership in FOCA (The Federation of Ontario Cottages Association) and access to the many informative publications they provide concerning issues faced by cottagers.
• Savings on Cottage Insurance through FOCA Membership.

The annual membership fee remains $25 per year. Non-voting Associate memberships are also available to local businesses and friends and family who visit the lake frequently.

Payment Options Include:

• PAYPAL E-TRANSFER from a Canadian Bank account to our treasurer Cynthia Wood cince48@gmail.com
• SEND A CHEQUE to: Big Basswood Lake Association, P.O. Box 337, Thessalon, ON P0R 1L0