This AGM marks the end of my second term as BPRA President. I took on this volunteer role in 2020 during the pandemic. It has been a great four years, and I have been so proud to lead the BPRA during this time and continue the tradition my grandfather started back in the 1980s when he also served on the BPRA executive team. It is with mixed feelings that I will be stepping away from my volunteer role, although I will still be around the neighbourhood of course! I will also serve on the BPRA Executive team in an ex-offico (non-voting) capacity. Thank you very much to all the members and the BPRA executive team members from the past four years for all your support, especially to Treasurer Rick Talbot who volunteered with me from the beginning and who is also moving on from his role.
As you probably know, the BPRA was incorporated as a non-profit with the government of Ontario in 1973 and last year was the 50th anniversary of the organization. The deed to the Bayou Road Beach property was transferred to the BPRA from the original developers of our neighbourhood in 1974. Hard to believe, we've now had our wonderful neighbourhood beach park for 51 years. It is the jewel of our neighbourhood, which adds to our property values and provides members with a great space to gather with friends and family and access Lake Couchiching.
This year our community came together around some very well received events including
the 50th Anniversary Meet The Neighbours Picnic & Regatta,
the 2023 AGM and our third Outdoor Movie Night,
the Annual Family Fun Day & BBQ,
the Annual Spooky Spectacle Pumpkin Walk, and
the third Annual Craft Market, which was moved closer to Halloween due to the inclement weather experienced over the last couple years. With this change of dates, it was renamed to the Pumpkin Spice Market.
Our most successful event was once again the August Family Fun Day & BBQ. Families enjoyed the beach and children had fun in the bouncy castle, while our Horseshoe Tournament participants got competitive and members perused the raffle and bake sale tables, which were packed with prizes and delicious treats. The day was capped off with members and their friends & family enjoying a delicious BBQ, followed by Past President Lance Brown's classic fireworks show. Thank you to everyone who came out with their friends & family and to our fabulous sponsors.
A big factor in enabling this fantastic year was the dedication of our Executive Board:
Treasurer Rick Talbot,
Secretary Erica Lomonaco,
Communications Director Amanda Stewart,
our Events Committee, Angela Foster and Arlene Picknell.
A sincere thank you to Rick, Erica, Amanda, Bruce, Angela, and Arlene for your commitment to the association over the past year! This year, Rick and I have come to the end of our second terms as Treasurer and President, respectively, and our roles are up to election. Thank you to all our members for their support over the last four years, we truly appreciate it and it has been a pleasure volunteering for this organization!
Also up for election are the Secretary and Communications Director roles, although Amanda and Erica have announced their intention to stay with the BPRA executive in whatever capacity is needed. We also invite members to get involved with our Events Committee, Angela and Arlene did a great job last year but more support is needed this year as they focus on new commitments. Please volunteer your time with the BPRA to keep this great community organization going!
(Claire, Erica, Angela, and Amanda following the 50th Anniversary Meet the Neighbour Picnic & Regatta)
We are very grateful to our members who helped with Fall and Spring clean up at the Beach Park. I’d also like to thank James Beamish who mows and trims the lawn, as well as the members who help to deliver our printed newsletters. The park and the waterfront is beautiful - and visited more than ever - thanks to our volunteers’ hard work and dedication. Also, a big thank-you goes to those members who supported the BPRA this year with generous donations from their local businesses.
Many long-time and new members have engaged with the BPRA by participating in our events and initiatives and paying their annual membership fee. Membership fees pay for the Bayou Beach Park's maintenance, property tax, and insurance, and ensure the Beach Park property is available to our community for future generations to come.
We had 60 households participate in our Membership Campaign Early Bird Draw. The winning household of a $150 gift card to the store of their choice will be announced at the AGM! We have had an additional 27 households pay their membership fee, at the time of publishing this President's Report. Any household that pays their 2024 membership fee by end of day Friday, June 7th will be entered into our Membership Deadline Draw to win a $50 gift card to the store of their choice!
We encourage all remaining residents to become members or renew their membership. More details on how you can pay at www.bayoupark.org/membership.
Finally, mark your calendars - this year the Regatta is being held on Sunday, July 14th and the Family Fun Day & BBQ is being held on Saturday, August 24th. The Family Fun Day & BBQ is an annual tradition loved by many neighbourhood residents and our major fundraiser. Please join us for both events! Get your ticket for the Family Fun Day & BBQ at www.bayoupark.org/shop!
Thank you,
Claire Lysnes,
Bayou Park Ratepayers Association President, 2020-2024
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