In the first Chairman's Letter since I accepted the Big Basswood Lake Association board of director's invitation to chair our cherished community- led organization, I want to warmly welcome back Big Basswood's residents and friends for another unforgettable summer on the lake. I also want to ask you to join me in thanking your board members for their commitment to our community and their efforts on our behalf.

Over the winter and spring seasons, your all-volunteer board has worked tirelessly to stay on top of the many relevant issues that affect our quality of life on Big Basswood Lake. Through participation in municipal efforts to address environmental concerns and efforts to educate our community about Harris Dam lake water level maintenance, as well as free webinars on important matters, such as family cottage succession plans, your board is committed to preserving our lake community's long-term quality of life.

I am pleased to announce that this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Melwel Lodge and will once again be followed by a BBQ social event so you can meet new neighbors and reconnect with old friends. More details on the AGM and other summer events will be provided soon.

We strongly encourage all new and renewing BBLA members to attend the AGM so you can learn about your association's activities and offer your opinions on what our priorities should be over the next year. 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

• Use 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 .

  Your payment can also be made at the Sowerby Market on Saturday mornings until Labour Day. Simply complete the information form and place it the provided envelope and place in the red box. Please remember to take your receipt with you!