Journey to Autumn

Essay submitted by Sharon Frame Gay, former Birch Laker (cottage 138, niece of Joyce Bovik). You can also listen to Sharon’s reading of this essay here.

Birch Lake, Michigan

I remember the sweet days of childhood. Days that walked you home after dark and left you safely on your doorstep.

Long before we learned that growing up was hard, summer stretched out like a lazy dog under the porch. There was no sense of time and place, just the gentle nudge by the sun, enough to stir from sleep into the arms of another morning.

Clocks sat in corners, mute. They no longer ticked as June, July and August slid by in slow arcs of sunrise and sunset. The moon came up, and with it the wind from the hills behind the lake, hills that filled with fireflies and the sound of locusts. If one dared to listen, the echoes of Natives who long ago traveled to the healing waters whispered across the cove.

On a swing between two oaks, I sat with my brother and his friends under the stars. They shared stories of creatures from black lagoons, and of great gorillas and giant lizards who grabbed airplanes out of the sky and crushed buildings. I heard of banshees, ghosts, and things that flew through the night and gnawed on brains. Just a few yards away, the lake loomed dark and foreboding, waves slapping at the rocks like monstrous footfalls.

Light from the kitchen window spilled across the lawn to where I sat between the boys. The warmth from our bodies was not enough protection from things that lurked behind us or cried out in the woods.

I longed to run to the safety of the cottage and my mother, guaranteed deliverance from monsters. But it might as well had been a hundred miles away. Breathless, witless, I waited until we were all called in for the night. I walked close to my brother, then dashed the last steps to the porch, hoping a hand wouldn’t reach out and grasp my ankle, dragging me out of childhood and into a hell I had yet to dream about.

The next morning brought an innocence that wakened the birds and sets things right again. I heard the creaks and groans from downstairs amid muffled voices. The house was redolent with the aroma of coffee and bacon. No creatures lurked under the bed or tucked themselves into corners. The fright was over for another day. Only good would come as the sun splayed across the lake outside the window.

The days passed, each one tied to the next in what seemed like a never-ending chain of bliss, until a warning wind stole across the water. Frothy whitecaps crested and tumbled against the shore, polishing the end of summer as they lapped at the old wooden pier and nibbled at its paint.

 September traveled down from the hills, windows closed to the night air that laced the sheets with dampness. The slant of light shifted between the trees and heralded a change.

We packed up our summer things. The pier was dismantled and huddled in tiers along the cottage siding. Adults were mindful of the clocks now, counting the moments in conversation, planning our departure as I lay beneath the knotty pine ceiling and listened to the dirge of words.

The saddest day arrived, despite pulling at the hours in hopes to slow it down. Already, acorns scattered on the ground. There was a smoky scent in the air. Birch leaves rustled on branches, then fell, first in lazy pirouettes, then faster, dappling the roof. We closed the screen door for the final time, the sound etched in memory forever.

From the rear window of the sedan, I no longer recognized our summer home. It had shape-shifted, crouching against the north wind, waiting for the first blows of winter.

 We gave the lake back to the spirits of the ancient ones, and nodded as their ghosts passed us on the old dirt road.

“We will return,” I thought. I was a child. Little did I know that the next time I stood along the shore, I would be full grown. Grown enough to bring a broken heart to the healing waters. Grown enough to understand that, try as I might, I can no longer pretend that the darkest thing I will ever encounter are childish voices on a swing.

When I did return, the lake looked the same. I remembered each tree, each path through the woods, as familiar as my heartbeat. Tucked into memory, it is now a faded photograph that rests, frameless, in my soul.

Standing on the edge of autumn, I skipped a stone across the water and watched its journey. Then yearned to return it where it belonged. Instead I walked away, and carried the loss with me.

Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge

We have two BLYC “Fall” activities done…and we have one more to go! Get ready for the Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge, which will be Saturday, October 19th. We will have a savory (soup/chili/chowder) category and a sweet category.

Those who are bringing a pot, please arrive at 5:30 so we can get everything set up. Those who are coming to sample and judge, please do not arrive before 6:00. Please plan to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Edwardsburg food pantry.

Sampling and judging will begin at 6:15 and conclude at 7:00. We will ask you to pick your three favorite savory options and your three favorite sweet options so we can crown the 2024 winners!

Feel free to bring your own beverage of choice. If there’s anything left over from this summer’s gatherings, it will be out and available.

We hope to see a bunch of steaming crock pots lined up on the BLYC counter… start planning what you want to bring!

Commodore’s Comments

September has been a great month at Birch Lake! The weather has been especially warm and enjoyable for all lake activities.

The autumnal equinox occurred on September 22nd, and it officially marked the beginning of Fall. The equinox occurs when earth’s rotation is in a straight vertical position as it lines up equally in both hemispheres. Then the sun shines directly on the equator. When this occurs, there are 12 hours of daylight and an equal 12 hours of darkness.

Although summer is gone, there is still time to enjoy more beautiful lake days ahead of us. I am in no rush to bring in the pier or pontoon boat!

During fall, we experience the beautiful colors. Their reflection on the lake is a sight to behold! Unfortunately, the leaves will fall and the dreaded leaf pick-up begins! Let’s all try to do our best to keep the leaves out of the lake.

The BLYC had its final meeting on Saturday, September 21. The financial report from 2024 lead to the decision to increase the BLYC yearly member dues from $30 to $50 in order to cover the increasing regular operating expenses. The dues have not been increased in the previous 9 years.

Please keep in mind that parties are funded completely by tickets purchased by the participants; no Yacht Club dues or donations are spent on parties or alcohol for events. Event planners have been successful with the goal to at least break even on all such events.

The following individuals volunteered to fill BLYC open positions. We are grateful for their willingness to serve. Bob Niezgodski was introduced as our new Fleet Captain. Bob is replacing Steve Frew, who is now our new Vice Commodore. Many thanks to Steve and Bob!

Patrick Welch is our new Chairman of Water Quality, replacing Paul Fallon. Thank you both so much for your time and efforts toward monitoring water quality! It is a major priority to promote the lake water quality for all.

Bob Waddle has been diligently maintaining our AEDs around the lake, and planned to retire his position in October. Kevin and Kyle Bernaciak have volunteered to take over this important responsibility. They both have knowledge of AEDs through their work experience. A big thank you to Kevin and Kyle!
And many thanks to Bob Waddle for his time and his commitment to ensure our AED’s have always been ready in an emergency situation.

Amber Grundy is now the new editor of the Birch Barker. Thank you, Amber, for taking over this huge position! Amber starts with this first online publication. It will reflect the traditions of the Birch Barker with some new ideas and accessible information. It is amazing that we can access old Barkers as far back as 1944. Thank you to Bill Luecht for collecting all of them for so many years! Thank you Amber for uploading them! Technology has allowed them to be seen by all.

Phil Vitale has dedicated an incredible 25 years of being the Barker editor. Thank you Phil for bringing the Birch Barker into our homes. Words cannot express our gratitude! Phil, enjoy your retirement!

The Fall Frolic was a big success – Dan Waxman will be reporting all about it!
Thanks to Dan and Bob Waddle for planning a new, fun event for our lake community.

Coming up on October 19th is the Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge at the BLYC! Bring a savoy or sweet crockpot entree, and come to sample and vote for your favorites. Find out who has the winning recipes! It is a fun and tasty neighborhood event! Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Edwardsburg food pantry.

Looking forward to seeing neighbors I know and meeting new ones too!
We come from many different places, but we are all in the same boat, we love Birch Lake!

~Commodore Julie

Fall Frolic Recap

Past Commodores Bob Waddle and Dan Waxman would like to thank everyone who attended the Fall Frolic on Saturday, September 7th featuring Dwayne Gundy and his band Dawg. The music was lively, the attendees were festive, and the food and beverages were tasty! We would like to thank our bartenders,

Bill Luecht and Deb Hall and to Keith Kinzler for the use of his Margarita Machine. No one left the event thirsty! Kevin and Cindy Bernaciak, along with John and Jennifer Ball took care of the 50/50 raffle and $166 went to Water Quality on our beautiful Birch Lake. For set up and clean up, big thanks to west-siders Karen Brovold, Cam Athanas and Stacia Andriano. The Yacht Club looked great before and after the event.

We have received only positive comments on the evening, so should this be an annual event?

Fleet Captain’s Corner

2024 Season Results

2024 proved another successful sailing season at Birch Lake. The beginning of the year started out strong with the opportunity to sail the first eight weekends of the season, and all in all the MC & Sunfish Fleets sailed a total of 25 and 24 races respectively.

The wind pulled through, and there were three races for the Labor Day Regatta. In the MC class, Phil Vitale took 1st, with Bill Luecht 2nd, and Pat Welch taking 3rd. In the Sunfish class – while not technically having enough sailors to count the race – Herb Cleveland and Bob Niezgodski took 1st and 2nd respectively. A mystery sailor Betty “who was a figment of someone’s imagination” took 3rd.

As for the seasons results, drum roll please…. In the MC Class, Scott Troeger took 1st, Barb Cassady was 2nd, and Bill Luecht was 3rd. In the Sunfish Class, Rick Russwurm took 1st, Stewart Spratt was 2nd, and Bob Niezgodski was 3rd.

Introduction of our New Fleet Captain

I want to introduce myself, Bob Niezgodski, as the new Fleet Captain. First of all, I want to thank Steve Frew for his past three years of service as the Fleet Captain. I hope I can continue doing as good of a job as Steve did.

Secondly, a little about myself. My grandparents, John and Dorothy Parnell, bought property here at Birch Lake back in 1966. I grew up spending a lot of time up here at the Lake, especially during the summers. As a kid I took a few sailing lessons at Camp Tannadoonah and with Bob King one summer, which planted the sailing seed.

I went off to college, but eventually, my parents and I ended up moving here and in 2015 I noticed a Sunfish in the Barker for sale. While I hadn’t sailed much in my life, and not for a long time, I decided to give it a shot. If I remember correctly, I think I placed last every race that season and had mostly lasts the following season. With a little persistence and perseverance, as well as help and tips from fellow sailors that I grew to know, I improved. Never did I think I would become Fleet Captain one day!

Sailing has taught me a lot. Trying new things, camaraderie, attention to detail, being persistent; the list goes on. With that said, I encourage everyone who hasn’t tried sailing to give it a shot. And for everyone who knows how to sail, I also encourage you to get out there on the lake and sail. And if possible, to take someone out who hasn’t sailed before. You never know where it could lead.

~ F.C. Bob

Homeowner’s Association Updates

The Birch Lake HOA applied for a grant from the program below, and was accepted to participate in the project! More information will be coming regarding this exciting opportunity. Thank you to our HOA for working diligently to continue to improve our beautiful lake!

A farewell to our old-growth trees and an opportunity for recovery
By Melissa DeSimone, MLSA Executive Director

Over the years, storms have come through our lake communities and taken away many of our old and beautiful trees. These mighty sentinels around the lake are a testament to history and remind us of those who loved the lake before us. As our lots become taken up by more buildings, grassy areas, and concrete pads, we begin to forget about the important shade, wild habitat, and water quality protection old growth trees can provide to us and to the natural residents with which we share the lake.

In 2023, Gravel Lake along with Birch, Harwood, Round, Eagle, and Baldwin (all right here in Southwest Michigan) were approached by the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) to take part in a grant proposal spearheaded by the Van Buren Conservation District. The grant program is through the USDA Forestry Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The overall goal of this grant program is to provide 6 million dollars for reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and forest health improvement in the Great Lakes Basin. Our project to put trees and shrubs
back around our inland lakes was awarded along with 37 other projects across 7 states. These are some of the expected outcomes of which our project is only a small part:

• Planting 107,620 trees, which will provide multiple benefits including reforestation of sites impacted by forest insects and disease, and intercepting stormwater to reduce runoff that can cause flooding and pollute waterbodies.
• Mitigating forest insect and disease impacts with over 3,000 acres of reforestation and protective treatments.
• Supporting local partnerships to treat 1,790 acres for nonnative invasive plants and survey 111,130 acres for new infestations.

Starting this fall, lake residents will be asked to identify locations where we can plant more trees and shrubs on our properties. You will be given some information about the species of trees and shrubs available to plant as well as guidance for which species would work on your property.

Then the project team will send contractors out to plant your trees and shrubs. In the end you may be asked to put up a yard sign that proudly states that you planted a tree as part of this grant program. It’s really that simple. We just need to put more trees in the ground. Every tree helps to improve the quality and lifespan of our favorite lake and the US Forest Service is going to pay for the trees and the work.

In a recent issue of The Michigan Riparian magazine, Dr. Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones and Michael Solomon, experienced lake management professionals, had many important things to say in the article entitled, The Connection Between Forests and Inland Waters: An Essential Partnership. Highlights from the article include the following: Trees adjacent to lakes help to protect the shoreline from erosion due to the strong root systems. Trees provide shading that cools the water temperature. As trees fall into the water through erosion or storm events, the wood itself becomes a structure that offers protection as well as an energy source for numerous macroinvertebrate species (essentially fish food) as it decomposes.

The authors of the article recommend that we restore the natural features of lakeshores that provide fish habitat, replace some or all lakeside lawns and beaches with trees, native wildflowers, shrubs, grasses, and emergent aquatic plants. A growing number of lakeshore owners are learning that restoring natural vegetation can cut maintenance costs, prevent unwanted pests such as Canada geese, attract butterflies and songbirds, and improve fish spawning habitat in shallow water.

Stay tuned for more information about this project and how you can participate. More information is coming in the fall of 2024 and work will likely take place in spring, summer, and fall of 2025. This project is an exciting opportunity to improve our riparian properties, give back to the lake ecosystem, protect water quality, and so much more. Reach out to Melissa DeSimone, Gravel Lake resident and MLSA Executive Director if you have any questions.

~ Birch Lake Homeowners Association

Public Service Announcements

BLYC Website Updates

Be sure to check out the updated BLYC website! We have recently added an Archives section with copies of Birch Barkers dating back to the very first edition in July of 1944. Eventually, I plan to add a section of historical information about Birch Lake.

There is also a new Photographs section on the site where we will post photos from lake events. There are currently photos from the Earl Troeger, Jr. Memorial Regatta and the Fall Dinner.

If you need to contact any of the Birch Lake Yacht Club Directors, Officers, or Committee Chairs, click on the “About BLYC” link at the top of the page to find the list of members and contact information.

If you have any old Barkers that are not posted on the site, historical information, or photos you would like to share, please email birchbarker1@gmail.com so that I can add them.

Update Your Email Preferences

You can now choose which emails you want to receive from the Birch Barker. Please click here to update your email preferences.

Turtle Signs

Please remember to put away your “Slow Down” signs so they don’t get destroyed over the winter!

BLYC Directory

Corrections and updates to the new directory? Send any updates to birchbarker1@gmail.com and we’ll publish them here for folks to update their directories.

2025 Yacht Club Dues

It’s never too early to pay your BLYC dues for next summer! You can pay online here or mail a check payable to BLYC to:

Deb Spratt, Treasurer
18100 Farmington Hills Dr.
South Bend, IN 46637

BLYC Burgees

There are just THREE BLYC Burgees left for the season! If you haven’t gotten one yet, call Sue Davis at 574-993-6031 for delivery. Burgees are $20 each.

Absentee Ballot Information

The Birch Lake Homeowner’s Association has provided information on Michigan Absentee Ballots for the upcoming election. Click here to read more.

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Events

2025 BLYC Board Meetings

Board meetings take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings at the Yacht Club, and are open to all lake residents. The 2025 schedule is TBA. We will meet in May, June, July, August, and September.

Upcoming Events

• October 19: Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge (Yacht Club)
• May 17, 2025 – Spring Dinner
• June TBA – Trivia Night
• June TBA – Commodore / Vice Commodore Party + Stock the Bar
• June TBA – Spaghetti Dinner
• July 5, 2025 – Boat Parade
• July 5, 2025 – Fireworks
• July 6, 2025 – Pancake Breakfast
• July 18, 2025 – Ladies’ Golf Outing
• July 25, 2025 – Men’s Golf Outing
• July TBA – Family Picnic
• August 2, 2025 – Corn & Sausage Roast
• August TBA – Fall Dinner
• September TBA – Fall Frolic
• October TBA – Bad Patty Crockpot Challenge

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Kids of the Month

CAMP MARGE – YEAR 5: Maggie Cassady (kids call her Marge) visiting her parents (east side), held her annual sleepover with her nieces and nephews. It was a Summer Olympics Theme.

Scott Troeger and his son Neil with my Aunt Jo Knoop in Scott’s beautiful Century inboard boat! Submitted by Kathy Green.

Neil and Scott Troeger and Sandy Vitale in Copenhagen en route to a sailing adventure in Croatia.

Steve and Jackie Frew just returned from an incredible trip to India and shared these photos of their amazing adventures.

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

Please share your own kids (or pets or whatever!) to be featured in an upcoming issue. You can email them to birchbarker1@gmail.com.

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Classifieds

Wanted to Buy: My large extended family has owned a cottage called “Chaos” (Cove) for 60 years. Our place will stay in the family… but our own individual needs have expanded and we are looking for more room so our grandkids can stay during the summer and make memories here, too. We are looking for a 3 or 4 bedroom place on the lake. If you are thinking about selling, please email Ann Nyberg at ann.nyberg@gmail.com.

Services: I do sewing and mending at fair prices – zippers, hemming, small alterations; call Kathy at 269-476-9317.