TBA Spring 2023 Newsletter
President's Message
Summer 2023 is nearly here!
I am very excited for my first year as TBA President. Big shoes to fill taking over from John Philpott.
Many of you took part in our survey last fall that solicited feedback on the TBA camp, events, and other important issues. I’m very pleased that we received 233 responses and the feedback was resoundingly positive - huge thank you to Tristan Carter who spearheaded this effort. Based on the responses, we look forward to bringing back all the summertime favourites: camp, sports, events, speakers, and art.
Before we get into the exciting plans for the summer, I want to quickly touch on the TBA Financials. The executive team spent a lot of time over the winter reviewing financials and determining pricing for this season and I want to provide a little insight on the process. Most importantly, the TBA remains in a strong position financially. Financials are shared every year at the Annual General Meeting or any time by request.
As an organization, we aim to match our revenues with our operating costs while maintaining a small “rainy day” fund for unexpected expenses. Ideally, all of our activities operate at a breakeven so no one activity subsidizes any of the others. E.g. camp fees cover camp costs, event tickets cover event costs, and tennis memberships cover tennis costs. If we were to subsidize any of our activities, it would be the children's camp. This is consistent with the first article of our constitution to assist the children of the beach.
Over the last couple of years, the camp has operated at a profit - in part due to incredible attendance - while our general expenses have outgrown the membership revenues. Memberships cover general costs like clubhouse maintenance, insurance and taxes. As a remedy, we’ve raised membership prices and are aiming to keep camp prices low while extending the hours and programming.
Another important question we posed to members in the survey was how we should approach large capital expenditures. Should we pay for them out of the operating budget or raise funds separately? 53% of respondents want us to do independent fundraising versus 25% who prefer they come out of our operating budget, and an additional 21% with no preference. We’ll continue to pay for expenses we can plan for like a new roof or fence out of the operating budget, and we’ll look to fundraisers for big expenditures like a new playground.
We will be completing two projects this year: Phase 2 of the fence replacement and accessibility upgrades to the clubhouse. I want to thank our accessibility committee Gord Chapple, Jamie Burton, Jane Martin, Jennifer Martin, Sandra Marcelli, David Marcelli, Cate Spidle and Jody Macdonald for all their hard work over the winter. We are currently gathering quotes to have the tennis courts resurfaced. We expect to have the work done in Spring 2024.
On to the summer plans!
Camp is back this year with an extra hour on M/W/F so kids get 50% more fun and caregivers get 50% more time off.
Our long weekend events are both back and Basil Lafriene will be hosting the Labatte Rendezvous at the end of August. Stayed tuned for email updates regarding when tickets go on sale for the events.
Sports are coming in hot with Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Youth Basketball Tournaments, the Thunder Run, and Field Days. We would once again like to host the tennis tournaments. We currently have no Tennis director so if you have an interest in running a tournament or even better joining the executive, please reach out to me (gamacgregor@gmail.com or 416-371-8560).
The Art Show and Speaker series will also both be back by popular demand.
We’ll be circulating an online calendar so you can stay up to date on what’s happening at the beach.
Best,
Geoff MacGregor
President, Thunder Beach Association
gamacgregor@gmail.com
416-371-8560
Children's Program Report
Message from the Camp Director
Hello everyone, I am Marie-Clémence (Clé-Clé) Murphy Ives and I will be the Camp Director of the Thunder Beach Association’s Children’s camp this summer!! Throughout my life, I have looked up to the leaders of the camp and am beyond grateful that I am able to take on such a key role at Thunder Beach. This summer, I look forward to working with the great leaders of the Thunder Beach community to continue making camp a place where kids enjoy spending time with each other and their counsellors. Every morning, I will strive to foster a welcoming, enthusiastic and fun environment through a positive attitude and enjoyable activities!! I don’t know about you, but I am counting down the days till July 1st…
What to bring each day to camp:
Reusable water bottles, clothing appropriate for the weather which includes proper footwear and sun hats. Enthusiasm and smiles are always welcome too!
Camp hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Varied programming for all campers (ages 4 – 13)
(All campers must be at least 4 years of age)
Tuesday, Thursday 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Sports for Juniors (ages 4-6)
Tennis for Intermediates (ages 6-9)
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Tennis for Seniors (ages 10-13)
Monday nights will alternate between Game Night, Teen Night, Movie Night, Teen Night, Game Night, Teen Night, Movie Night
Wednesday theme nights: July 5-Olympics, July 12-Halloween, July 19-Carnival, July 26-Talent, Aug 3-Country, Aug 10-Birds of Prey, Aug 17- Pirates, Aug 24-Scavenger Hunt
All campers will be required to sign in upon arrival each day with TBA Camp Staff
(Camp Director, Head Counsellors and Counsellors) and are also required to sign out with TBA Camp Staff before being picked up or leaving the camp premises.
Camp fees:
Daily rate $15/camper
Full week $65/camper
Flex 10* $125
Four weeks $200
Full season $350
*Flex 10 – This option allows families to purchase 10 days of camp in advance to be used throughout the 2023 summer season. The campers are to be children within the same family, whose names have been registered in advance. Any unused days are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Thunder Beach Association Children’s Programme Supply Cupboard Collectibles
To all TBA members, this is your chance to clean out those closets and drawers that have been nagging you all winter. Feel great about your unwanted items gaining a second life in the TBA Clubhouse Supply Cupboard. Items that are clean and in usable condition can be dropped off during camp hours between July 4th through to August 25th. Our goal is to significantly reduce the amount of single-use items, plastic and other non-sustainable items purchased for camp this year.
Here is a list of items that will be accepted:
- Aluminum plates (all sizes)
- Balls (any kind, particularly tennis balls)
- Bristol board
- Bubble containers and wands
- Clear plastic containers
- Colouring books
- Corks
- Crayons/pencil crayons
- Dish soap
- Dried beans/lentils, pasta, rice (not for consumption)
- Eye droppers
- Egg cartons
- Fiber board boxes (cereal, tissue, etc.)
- Felt pieces and other fabrics for crafts
- Food colouring
- Gardening tools (trowel, weeding tool)
- Greeting cards (can be used)
- Glue sticks
- Magazines and newspapers
- Metal containers and lids
- Paint brushes
- Paper plates
- Paper towel/toilet paper rolls
- Plastic containers and lids
- Popsicle sticks
- Puzzles
- Ribbons and string (any length)
- Rulers
- Safe scissors (not pointed)
- Shoelaces
- Socks (clean)
- Stickers
- Straws
- Tape
- Tennis rackets
- Wax paper
- Yarn and wool
- Egg cartons
Thunder Beach Art Exhibit
The Thunder Beach Art Exhibit will take place on Sunday May 21st, 2023 from 12:00 noon to 4:00.
This years participants are: John Dekker, Sarah Inwood, Diane Labatt, Basil Lafreniere, Lynne Steffy, Amanda Zentil
Special Exhibit: Unpublished archival photos from the Joan and Bill Northcott Thunder Beach Collection courtesy of Huronia Museum.
Thunder Beach Sports
Thunder Beach Youth Baseball
Since 1992 Thunder Beach Youth Baseball celebrates its 31st year in 2023. Over 80 children from 6 yrs to 15 yrs play baseball on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons beginning Tuesday, July 4th. The final tournament is scheduled for Friday, July 21st. Games begin at 3:30 and 5:00. The schedule will be posted at the Club House.
Thunder Beach Youth Baseball is about fair play, inclusivity, building community, leadership and HAVING FUN!! No baseball experience is required. We have not had a strikeout for over 25 years.
Register on the Thunder Beach Association website.
$30 per child. Please remember to sign the waiver.
We need coaches and assistant coaches. Please contact:
Doug Jones 519-575-1068
djones000@sympatico.ca
2022 Luke Santi Memorial Flag Football Tournament
This summer marks the 20th year of flag football at Thunder Beach!! Close to 1,000 boys and girls have enjoyed learning, playing and coaching ‘flag.’ The event has become an anticipated summer tradition at TB for many families.
The tournament was renamed in memory of Luke Santi in 2008. Luke played in the inaugural TB Flag Tournament and participated each year until his cancer diagnosis in 2007 (when he coached, at age 16). Luke had a passion for research and discovery and competed in many sports in his hometown of Kitchener. He earned top marks with 1st class honours in his academic studies while enjoying robotics, Reach for the Top, science and engineering fairs and captained the high school basketball and volleyball teams. He was a humble, well-liked leader and friend to many.
The Tournament will be played from Monday, July 24th to Friday, July 28th. If you are interested in PLAYING or COACHING, please register on the TBA website by Friday, July 21st. We have space for 48 players. Click HERE to register.
Plans are in place for the Friday Tailgate BBQ to return in full force! We will need a BBQ or a portable camping grill. Please advise Shelagh Santi if you can help.
The Adult Game will follow the Championship game on Friday. Hoping to see alumni throughout the week and especially at the games on Friday. All tournament details will be on the TBA website.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Gordon, Martha, Quinn and Matthew Smeaton
Luigi, Shelagh, Andrea and Janelle Santi
Youth Basketball Tournament
The Kids Basketball Tournament is returning for its second year. Last year we had three teams of three (and a couple subs) play in a round robin and then championship match. The basketball exhibited by these young athletes was exceptional and there was amazing sportsmanship displayed throughout. We will be hosting this year's tourney on Sunday July 16th and we will register view Google forms that will be posted a week before the event. We are looking forward to see how the excitement evolves around basketball at the beach!
For any questions feel free to reach out to,
Matt Leverty - matthewleverty@gmail.com
Tyler Richard - tylertrichard@gmail.com
Adults Basketball Tournament
The fast-paced, high-energy competition is our country club counter-programming on The Thunder Beach blacktop. This year we will shift the 2 on 2 Adults tournament (16+ years) to Sunday on July 9th. After maybe the most competitive tournament we have seen, we are looking forward to a healthy blend of mature players with the young and vibrant athletes of today. We will post up a Google registration just after July Field Day. Keep a look out for the e-blast leading up to registration.
Who will reign in 2023? Wait to see!
For any questions feel free to reach out to:
Tyler Richard - tylertrichard@gmail.com
Tawny Richard Beach Volleyball
Volleyball is back at the beach. Same third Saturday in July on July 15th and the same location we have become so graciously welcomed to use by the Butler Family and the Bolt Family. We will continue with the 16+ age grouping and randomized teams. We are excited to share this year's team name, themes and all the bumping, spiking, and volleying your heart can desire.
For any questions feel free to reach out to:
Tyler Richard - tylertrichard@gmail.com
John Philpott - jsphilpott@gmail.com
Cardio Tennis
Cardio Tennis is an engaging group fitness program featuring the heart-pumping effects of tennis drills, games, and skills delivering the ultimate full body and calorie-burning aerobic and anaerobic workout. Cardio Tennis is a very social activity for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. The Cardio Balls equalize the playing field and enhance the workout.
If Your Tennis Experience is:
Low: Cardio Tennis is the best way to start and train for tennis
Medium: Improve tennis skills
High: Train for Tennis
When: Wednesday’s 8:30 to 9:45
Where: Thunder Beach Tennis Courts
Certified Instructors: Matt DuCharme and Doug Jones
# of participants: 6 to 9
Cost: $20
Register by contacting Doug Jones at: djones000@sympatico.ca
Or text: 519-575-1068
Thunder Beach Dock Company
Greetings to all Thunder Beach Gas Dock Members!
We plan to open the Gas Dock on weekends in the second half of June (staff and weather permitting) and on weekdays and weekends from July 1 through to Labour Day. Our hours of operation will be as follows:
- Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10 am to 4 pm
- Monday to Friday: 11 am to 2 pm (as of July 1)
The Dock membership fee this year will be $200 per family, the same as last year. Our revenues are used to cover our insurance and staffing costs and to fund the next instalment of the much-needed skirting repair/replacement on the north side of the Dock. Use the link HERE.
We are also looking for 2 or 3 staffers – contact Bill McNamara (wmcnamara@torys.com) if interested.
Please do not forget to renew your Dock membership. Your support is an essential component of the Dock’s viability.
We look forward to seeing you on the water!
John Burns, Kevin Burkett, Bill McNamara
Thunder Highlands Golf
Overlooking the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay, Thunder Highlands Golf Course offers golfers of all skill levels a unique and unforgettable experience. The course takes full advantage of the beauty of Georgian Bay, offering a challenging golf experience with a variety of shot-making opportunities!
With exceptional greens and five challenging holes, each with its own distinct features, we welcome golfers and all those looking for additional recreational options in the area. We cannot wait to welcome you to Thunder Highlands for the upcoming 2023 season!
Memberships are no longer available via the TBA, please access our website: thunder-highlands.ca
Thunder Beach Apparel 2023
We are continuing to provide Thunder Beachers with a variety of apparel items for the 2023 season. This year, items such as T-shirts, Long Sleeve Shirts, Crew Necks, Quarter Zips and Hoodies will be available with two different logo options as well as shirts featuring the artwork of Diane Labatt. We are pleased to offer additional items including matching Joggers, Vests, Jackets, Hats and more. There is something for everyone!
We will once again offer custom purchasing through online ordering at this link: https://exclusiveimprint.com/thunder-beach/
The site will open on Friday, May 12th and close on June 4th. Items will be available for pick up on Field Day, July 1st, 2023 from the clubhouse. A second order will be placed for August Field Day pick-up.
Georgian Bay General Hospital
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is here for you, your family and friends if any medical concern or emergency arises while you are spending time at the cottage.
But, did you know that GBGH does NOT have an MRI machine? What if your care & treatment required this important imaging for diagnosis?
You can help bring this critical diagnostic tool to GBGH, and ensure the best care is available close to your home-away-from-home.
Learn more about this important initiative and help us raise $4-million by making a donation today!
https://gbghf.ca/current-needs/mri/
Obituaries
James (“Jimmy”) William Comfort
James “Jimmy” Comfort passed away at age 55 on December 30th, 2022 in Newmarket.
Jimmy enjoyed summers at Thunder Beach where he had been a Head Counsellor and an avid tennis player, winning many TBA tennis tournaments and even the coveted title of “Egg Toss” Champion with his close friend and fellow cottager Brad Butler.
With sincere sympathy to Jimmy’s mother Susan Barton, his brothers Robin (Paula), John (Debbie) and Tim (Kelly) and his nieces and nephews Katie, Samantha, Molly, Alex, Johnny, Colin & Olivia on their loss. Jimmy’s father John, sadly passed away on September 6, 2022, at age 83 in Toronto after a long illness.
Jimmy’s love and energy will be greatly missed by his family and many friends at the beach.
Link to the obituary for James Comfort:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/aurora-on/james-comfort-11087990
Link to the obituary for John Comfort:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/aurora-on/john-comfort-10916272
Joan Robinson
Sharing the sad news that Joan Robinson died peacefully on Tuesday, March 28th at her home in Guelph. She was 93.
Joan and her husband Howard enjoyed many years of cottaging with their family on West Shore Drive.
With sympathy from the Thunder Beach community to her husband Howard, daughters Cindy Waters (Rob) and Diane Robinson (Ron LeBlanc) and grandchildren Jayson and Hayley Waters on their loss.
A link to Joan’s obituary follows.
https://www.guelphtoday.com/obituaries/robinson-joan-ethel-matheson-6797086
Birth Announcements
Blake Frances Heyer
“Blake Frances Heyer” was born to Katie Houston and Max Heyer on September 22, 2022 in Toronto. New grandparents Teresa and Bill Houston were thrilled to cuddle their baby granddaughter and great-grandparents Helen and Frank Morneau were delighted to welcome their first great-grandchild.
Mila Sanvila Mihaichuk
“Mila Sanvila Mihaichuk” was born to Max and Ivana Mihaichuk on September 18, 2022, in Oakville. A much-loved baby girl by both of their families … grandparents Kathy and Mike Mihaichuk (West Shore) and grandparents Vesna and Dragan Pupovac. (East Beach).
Paxton Frederick Burton
Jamie and Maddie Burton kicked off the new year with the birth of their second baby “Paxton Frederick Burton” on January 9, 2023. Big brother Nathan was excited to welcome “Paxton”! Spoiling privileges go to 5th-time grandparents Nancy and Fred Burton!
James Luke Santi-Kovarik
Andrea Santi and Ryan Kovarik are delighted to announce the arrival of their first baby “James Luke Santi-Kovarik” on May 1, 2023, in Kitchener.
First-time grandparents Shelagh and Luigi Santi are thrilled to welcome their baby grandson to the playing field! Aunt Janelle and Uncle Scott and great-grandparents Marj and John McElroy are also excited to welcome this new team member to the family!
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