As Dale has said, spring seems to be downloading pretty slowly this year. However, my expectation is that the ice will be off of the lake earlier than usual and so, I am already looking forward to taking the canoe out for a paddle.
It has been a very dry winter at the lake with only a couple feet of snow. If the lack of precipitation continues then we will need to pay close attention to the wildfire conditions at and around the Resort. Last season there were two wildfires found and contained by firefighters that made me uncomfortable. Each was within walking distance from the Resort, and each time I was told that the fire was caused by someone who was not being careful enough. In each case we were saved from a catastrophe that would have affected all of us, and probably ruined the summer for more than 200 families.
We have a busy season planned this year and there are more than a few small improvements to the Resort that I am trying to put into motion. The Campers Club is planning several events this summer, in addition to the installation of our new swim dock at the main beach. New ideas are always welcome, and volunteers are even more welcome. If you would like to help make this season special in any way, please contact the Events Coordinator at events@fawcettlakeresort.com.
You have likely noticed that we have been quite busy over the past year maintaining the power system on the Resort and installing protective posts around some of the power fixtures. This maintenance work is not only inconvenient for us all, it can also be very time consuming and labor intensive. Often, a problem can be managed and easily fixed if it is found and addressed quickly. However, if a problem is not identified then it can cause numerous other small problems elsewhere. All power fixtures and electrical equipment in the system are connected and small problems can quickly become one big large problem. This year we would often spend more time finding the source of a problem than we did actually fixing it. In many cases, the root cause was a simple incident that someone had had with an exposed wire, a power meter, meter tower, power pedestal or even a transformer. Accidents and incidents like this will happen and, although they may be thought to be insignificant, they need to be reported is so that the situation can be investigated. Not only will this prevent it from escalating into a larger more significant issue, this is a matter of public safety. The power fixtures are meant to remain stationary and if something causes them to move, even a little bit, then the situation can be very dangerous. Until the issue is addressed, it will continue to be dangerous. Please consider the safety of everyone at the Resort. If you have had or have witnessed an incident with a power system fixture, then please report it immediately to Resort Management. Regardless of the nature, severity or location of the incident, this will help us to address the problem quickly and to ensure that everyone is kept safe. It will also make sure that your furnace fan continues to come on when you need it.
People are always looking for ways to improve their lot setups. Did you know that we are willing to help you do to do this when we can? We have access to clay and topsoil, and can bring small quantities to a lot if needed. We can also help by hauling larger items to the burn pile that you are unable to move by yourself. As long as the job is small, there is no charge. We typically try to combine similar jobs together and we often do them on a quiet day when the Resort is not very busy. Because of this, the job needs to be simple enough that we can do it when you are not present, and you may need to wait a few weeks before we get it done. If you need help with something simple like this, just talk with me and I will put the job on the list.
As suggested by the Emergency Volunteers, there is a new list of personal EpiPens & Naloxone (opioid overdose) kits that are usually at the Resort. If you would be able to provide either of these items in the event of an emergency at the lake then please contact me and I will add you to this confidential list. I will then be better prepared to assist in an emergency situation, by contacting you if needed. Everyone should be aware, in the event of an emergency at the lake please follow the procedures available at www.fawcettlakeresort.com/emergency.
Last year presented us with a new problem. For the first time that I can remember we experienced a sudden increase in skunk encounters at the Resort. After a bit of research, I determined that this was a common situation in much of Alberta. Thank you to Brent (our Events Coordinator and President) for taking the initiative to solve this problem. By the end of summer well over 20 animals were caught and relocated. By the way, if you are going for a walk then you may not want to go south to the other side of the hill. ;>} There is still a concern that there will be leftover animals again this season. If you see a skunk on the Resort, please report it to Brent on lot 165.
I am thankful that the Campers Club has a new treasurer. Although I don’t really qualify as being independent, I have filled this role for the past few years. A large part of this job is processing and receiving the payments for the Guest Fees. I noticed an ongoing problem that people sometimes pay the Guest Fees to the wrong place, and without identifying which lot it is for. To make things less confusing for the new Treasurer, please pay Guest Fees as directed on the Guest Fees Self-Registration Envelope. These envelopes are available in the box at the front of the Store Community Building, and a copy of the envelope is on the Resort website in the Campers Club page.
If you can be at the lake on the May long weekend, then don’t forget to attend the Annual Meeting. Once again it will be held outside at the Store Community Building, so bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather. The Annual Meeting will begin at 1.00pm on Sunday May 21 and everyone is welcome.
See you at the Lake