2012 TBA Holiday Newsletter

December 13, 2012

Attachments: 2012 AGM Minutes | Financial Report | Counsellor and CIT Applications

President’s Report

As I sit here, in my home office gazing over beautiful Thunder Beach, I cannot help but reminisce about the events of my first year as president of the TBA and look ahead to another great year for our association during my second term. The weather for this past summer can only be characterized as magnificent again – and this now makes two summers in succession that have been ‘over-the-top’ that certainly makes for excellent event participation by all our members and their families. In terms of the executive, we would like to thank Kathy Mihaichuk, who retired this year, for the 8 years + of service she gave to our association. The executive would like to extend a warm welcome to our new members Michelle Morneau and Stephanie Palmer-Bates who will lead our Children’s Program. They have started to plan and refresh our programs already for next year and we look forward to some exciting new changes. 2012 saw the introduction of progressive tennis on the courts and it is a certainty that we will build on that success next year. At our Annual General Meeting on August 25th, the membership unanimously voted to join the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Association (FoTTSA) in our attempt to make our voice heard in the deliberations regarding water levels of Georgian Bay. Later on in this newsletter, you will see a report from John Philpot who is our representative to this organization. And … now to next year! I cannot make any weather predictions for 2013 but only hope and pray that it will be as beautiful as last summer! And now to business - unfortunately, after reviewing our financial position, we have been forced to increase some of our program fees to help offset some of the increased costs that have affected our operation. It is not our mandate to make money but to financially support all of the programs that our residents have come to expect and enjoy. The increases are minimal, but are necessary, if we are to continue to function as a premier association that our area demands. At our last TBA executive meeting we made some decisions to revitalize our quest for new members and encourage those, for whatever reason who have decided not to participate in our Association, to return and enjoy the excitement of the TBA. The summer will unfold in its usual consistent, comforting way with many new faces, revitalized programs and events for all and I look forward to everyone’s continued support for the coming year. We always want to hear from you, so drop us a line at www.thunderbeach.org with your thoughts, comments, suggestions so that the TBA can continue to improve and meet the needs of our fellow members. On behalf of the TBA executive, I would like to wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a very Happy and Prosperous 2013. By: Louise O’Connor

Treasurer’s Report

2012 was a great summer overall for the TBA. As your Treasurer however, I must advise that it continued to be a difficult year financially. Some of our events and activities cost us more than we had planned and that has led us to finish in a deficit position against our revenues. At the AGM, you may recall that I showed everyone meeting minutes from 1989, which had our membership fee then being $100.00 per family, the same as 2012. We all know that our costs have increased by leaps and bounds in 23years, therefore after a lot of deliberation your executive will be raising fees this year in an effort to break even. (see the new fee structure details in our membership report). We will also continue to be vigilant on the cost side and have taken some additional steps to focus on lowering some of our expenses in 2013. Despite our small loss this year at the end of the season, we have $23,000.00 invested in a GIC , so we are still in good financial shape and look forward to a successful 2013. Please note that we will be updating our website with the new rates during the month of December/January. So please mark your calendars to February 1 to log on to www.thunderbeach.org and purchase your membership and register for all your favorite programs and events. We appreciate you paying via the website since it makes life simpler for both yourself and me (your treasurer) however if you prefer to pay by cheque, please make your payment to Thunder Beach Association and mail to Anne Hardcastle-Roebuck 33 Glenrose Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1K3 Have a safe and healthy holiday season. By Anne Hardcastle-Roebuck

Maintenance of our Facilities

In addition to the regular maintenance of our grounds and facilities. last summer we did some repairs and renovations to the clubhouse and children’s playground. The list below gives you the details:

• The floors were sanded and repainted.
• The base of the inside walls were repaired to keep rodents out, and we added some baseboards to that area and painted them. Some walls and trim were repainted . Some of the ceiling was pealing so that was sanded and repainted.
• The outside of the clubhouse had some peeling so that was repaired and painted
• The children’s playground needed some new swings and some of the equipment needed repair.

By Susan Inrig

Membership Report

Your Executive is hard at work and we are well into our planning for the 2013 Season. After our review of the financials and much discussion - we have determined that our fee structure will see some increases in the 2013 season. That being said, one of the primary reasons for the existence of the Thunder Beach Association in the first place, was to provide a place where the children and adults could play, meet others and do so in a safe and healthy environment. To that end, Executives over the years have worked hard to provide good programs and events for all the membership to enjoy. As your current executive we want to continue to do the same. The new fee structure for the 2013 season is:

		TBA Membership	Tennis Membership**
Seasonal:	Family Membership	$125	$85
	Single Membership:	$50	$50
Monthly:	Family Membership	$75	$50
	Single Membership	$30	$35
2 Week:	Family Membership	$40	$30

** In order to secure a Tennis Membership, one must be a Thunder Beach Association member. Once again, young adults have aged out of their parent’s membership once they reach the age of 25. At this time, they are expected to purchase their own membership. Due to the fact that the TBA is responsible for much of the funding of the Children’s Program, parents who are sending their children to the camp are expected to have a family membership – children are not considered members under their Grandparent’s membership. Stricter enforcement will be in place for summer 2013. Finally, new members are always welcome. If you know of anyone who would like to be a member, either to join or rejoin after a hiatus, please direct them to the website at www.thunderbeach.org or myself at susanwinter@rogers.com. I wish you all a healthy and happy winter. By Susan Winter

Children’s Program Update

2012 was another successful summer for the Children’s program at Thunder Beach. This was due to the efforts of Program Director Kathy Mihaichuk, Head Counselor Jacki Mihaichuk and all of the Counselors and CITs who worked to provide a safe, creative and fun experiences for the children of our community. Michelle and I would particularly like to recognize and express our gratitude to Kathy for her eight years of service as the Program’s Director. It is a sizable job and the whole community reaped the benefits of her efforts – Thanks Kathy! Planning is already in the works for summer 2013 and Michelle and I are looking forward to putting our own touches on the program. We are considering changes to all aspects of the program and encourage and invite any ideas or constructive input that members of the Association wish to put forward. Some ideas we are considering for next summer include improvements to the tennis program, an expanded craft option for our elementary and middle school age campers and a more diversified junior and senior sports program. At this time, we are seeking applicants for Head Counselor, Counselor and CIT positions for summer 2013. We will also be creating two new positions, Senior Counselor and Children’s Tennis Coordinator, for which we will be seeking qualified applicants. Job descriptions for all available positions will be made available online. Because it is our first year as Program Directors, we are requiring that all interested candidates apply (or reapply) to camp, even if they have already worked as counselors or CITs in the past. Should we have an unusually large interest in counselor positions, we may ask applicants to indicate their willingness to serve a second term as CIT. Applications are available on the Thunder Beach Association website and the deadline for completed applications is Friday, February 8th, 2013. Please mark the date on the calendar since this deadline is earlier than in previous years. Download the applications now. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Thunder Beach website or contact Michelle Morneau (michelle.morneau@hotmail.com) or myself, Stephanie Palmer (palmerbates@hotmail.com). By Stephanie Palmer-Bates

2012 was a “Thunderous” Tennis Season

2012 was another great year for tennis at Thunder Beach! Whether young or old, novice or pro, our ever expanding Thunder Beach tennis community continued the TBA tennis tradition in fine form. It was a game change year as progressive tennis lessons were implemented at the TBA camp. We’ll have a young crop of future Milos’ in no time! Tournaments The annual tournaments were a lot of fun, highlighted by some particularly suspenseful matches and new winners! Let’s congratulate our 2012 TBA Tennis champions: Men’s Doubles – Trevor Aristole and John Shedletzky Woman’s Doubles - Christie Rudics and Patty Hebbes, Mixed Doubles – Theresa Morneau and Matthew DuCharme Sport your Tennis Tags! A successful tennis summer depends on tennis members. Unfortunately, the court’s maintenance cannot be powered by a poached volley or smashing serve. Please remember to pay your tennis dues and wear your tennis shoe tags on the Court, so that everyone knows you’re a proud paying member. Special Thanks The TBA would like to give a special thanks to the following individuals who went above and beyond in volunteering their time: Ryan Borczon, & Doug Jones (who assisted with implementing progressive tennis at the Camp), Jodi Munro (coordinator extraordinaire of the Men’s Doubles), Jimmy Q (who swept the court every morning before practicing his serve) – look out Milos! Court’s Open for Feedback Should you have any ideas or feedback for next season, please let us know at matt.ducharme@sympatico.ca. Donations alert: TBA is on the prowl for items to spruce up the courts, such as picnic tables, hoppers, used rackets or umbrellas (including potential umbrella sponsors). Let us know if you can assist. [Caption: Jack Ducharme , August Junior Champion, takes a time out to reflect on his game] By: Matt DuCharme

Social Update

Already Dreaming of Summer? Please SAVE THE DATE for the following three events:

• Lobsterfest – Saturday June 30th
• August Event Night – Saturday August 3rd
• Golf Dinner – Saturday August 17th

Tickets will be sold online. Please stay tuned for more information as the summer nears. We look forward to seeing you there! We are still looking for volunteers for our August event. Rally your friends and family, pick a theme and help us host an awesome event. Send me your suggestions at llogaridis@havegal.on.ca By: Laura Logaridis

Golf News

‘I know I’m getting better at golf because I’m hitting fewer spectators’ – Gerald Ford

A total of 74 avid golfers came out to enjoy a perfect day on the links at the annual Thunder Beach Association Golf Tournament at Brooklea Golf & Country Club. After 18 holes, a happy but exhausted group of would-be golfers and dinner guests, turned up at the clubhouse. They were treated to a gourmet dinner by Penetanguishene’s finest chef, Phil Karpatheos , proprietor of Phil’s Diner. After dinner, the celebration continued with a live performance by the band ‘Kitty & the Boyz’, with the high energy, crowd pleasing, front woman singer, Angela Wilson. At the end of the evening, the tireless crowd cheered on and encouraged the band to continue playing. A special thanks to our beer, wine, cigar and Hole-in-One sponsors which include: Steam Whistle Brewing Company; Peller Estates; the Mumbacho Cigar Company & The Georgian Bay Car Company. I would also like to thank all those who volunteered to make the event such a success; in particular, event organizer, Louise O’Connor, registration and goodwill ambassadors, Sara Lankshear and Tom Macdonald, event support staff, Paul Northcott, Ian Porter, and Peller Estates wine representative, Terri Penfound . A number of items were auctioned off. Generous donors included : Patrick Lundy – CEO of Zurich Canada, who contributed several golf clubs and women and men’s golf attire; Todd McCarthy – Senior partner at Flaherty Dow Elliott & McCarthy donated an impressive pair of Blue Jays tickets -10th row along the 3rd baseline; and Rob Wilson – golf pro at The Rock Golf course in Muskoka, who gave exclusive his and hers golf & weekend get-a-away packages to The Rock Golf course and Marriott Muskoka hotel. Significant funds were raised as a result of the above generous donations! I would also like to thank all those who sponsored a hole and donated prizes. We had 21 hole sponsors which included: Bayfield House Retirement Lodge – Penetanguishene, ON Fred Burton – Portfolio Management Corporation Cabin Boy Sabin Charlebois – Charlebois Excavating & Trucking Ciboulette et Cie – Andre Sanche – Chef/Owner Georgian Bay Car Company – Bernie & Nancy Bianchi Paul Lennard – Donway Ford Tom Macdonald – Goodmans LLP Christine & Al Magee – Sleep Country Bruce Mann – Henderson Transport TimBr Mart Todd McCarthy – Flaherty Dow Elliott & McCarthy Tiffany McGregor – Re/Max Georgian Bay Realty Ltd. Brokerage Jeanne McIsaac – Re/Max Georgian Bay Realty Ltd. Brokerage Frank & Helen Morneau Jeff Neil Greg Norman – Norman’s Garden Gallery Howard & Cindy Robinson – Robinson Pontiac Cam Smellie – STBC Inc. Robert Smith – The Smith Group Paul & Angela Wilson – Busy Bee Taxi Earle Graham - Lakeland Irrigation Your continued support and generosity is greatly appreciated. The winning team of Jay Rosenfeld, Eva Rosenfeld & Scott Rosenfeld had an impressive score of -11. The winning prize included a dinner for 4 at The Friendly Corner Store. The Men ’s longest drive was blasted out by Peter Horan. The Women’s longest drive was no “sleeper”, but was hammered with an impressive long ball by the always “well rested” Christine Magee. Closest to the hole for the Men was driven by the very steady hands of J. Garristo. For the Women, it was the eagle eye precision of Susan Mulhall. Last but not least, closest to the pin was putted in by the ‘magic touch’ of Mike Mihaichuk. Thank you to all who participated. We are actively seeking out golf prizes and auction items for next year’s 2013 golf tournament. Keep this in mind, company promo items, golf paraphernalia, tickets to events, prizes of any type are sought and encouraged! Finally, the golf tournament is all teed up for Saturday, August 17th, 2012 at Midland Golf and Country Club. Please get your four-some together and come on out for a swinging good time. By: David Northcott

FOTTSA and the Water Levels

Driven by the issue of decreasing water levels on Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, the Thunder Beach Association joined the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations ("FOTTSA") for a one year period, after the TBA members voted unanimously in favor of this motion at our TBA Annual Meeting. Information on FOTTSA can be found at www.tinycottager.org./site. Since joining FOTTSA, numerous Thunder Beachers participated in the public consultation process through writing emails and letters to the International Joint Commission (the "IJC"), which has jurisdiction over the issue. The public consultation process ended on September 30, 2012. The IJC's report on the issue, prepared prior to consultation process, can be found at www.ijc.org. Interested members are encouraged to write their federal and provincial members of Parliament. If you are interested in being added to FOTTSA's mailing list on the issue or, would like to learn more about how to get involved, please email John Philpott at: jsphilpott@gmail.com. By: John Philpott TBA executive on FOTTSA Board

Looking for Holiday Gift Ideas

Are you looking for one extra gift for the special person in your family how about a TBA sweatshirt? Since the summer was so hot, we have some stock left over, all our white and navy. If you are interested please email Anne at hardcastleanne@hotmail.com

Thunder Beach Kids Try-a-Tri

We raised $135 for the TBA, with approximately 30 kids participating. Special thanks to the many volunteers from the Herold/Miller family, Bill Saundercook, Somerset Jarvis as well as many other parent volunteers. Try-A-Tri Results Age 6 & 7; 50 m swim, 1.5km bike, 500 m run Girls 1. Charlie Herold 2. Sophie Law 3. Nicole Brooks Boys 1. Nico Delarue (overall winner 6 & 7) 2. Billy Pascoe Age 8 & 9; 100 m swim, 3km bike, 1km run Girls 1. Kaitlin Mchardy 2. Danielle Brooks 3. Alexandra Opferkuch Boys 1. Keon Inrig (overall winner 8 & 9) 2. Dax Miller 3. Connor Herold Age 10 & 11; 200 m swim, 5km bike, 1.5km run Girls 1. Andie Miller (overall winner 10 & 11) 2. Amanda Brooks 3. Cassidy Miller Boys 1. Antoine Delarue 2. Anthony Hebbes 3. Aidan Herold Age 12 & 13; 300 m swim, 7km bike, 2km run Girls 1. Emma Robertson Boys 1. Tyler Hebbes (overall winner 12 & 13) 2. Mathieu Delarue 3. Will Meyer By Kristi Herold

Thunder Run 2012

Women Dominate For the first time in Thunder Run history, a woman claimed the Thunder Run laurel leaf. Young (in fact the youngest female participant in the race that day) Somerset Jarvis, streaked across the finish, almost a full 2 minutes ahead of the number 2 finisher, and another very strong woman runner, Kristi Herald. Finishing at the front of the pack for the men was first time Thunder Run participant and a 2012 Boston Marathoner, Mark Ducharme. Just behind Mark was Peter Gilmour and following him and claiming 3rd place for the men was Brett Thompson. Our third place female was Somerset’s sister Windermere Jarvis. The 2012 Thunder Run returned to its 5:00 pm start time and continued with the new route that winds its way through West Shore, Centre Beach, East Beach and Silver Birch giving all Thunder Beachers an opportunity to cheer on the runners and walkers of all ages and sizes. This year the number of participants and onlookers was a little thin. Apparently some thought seeing Usain Bolt win a gold medal might be more exciting! After having taken over from the originators of the Thunder Run, Steve Markson and Bob Grey and organizing the run for the last several years the Macdonalds, are passing the organizational torch to the Burketts. Look for a new and improved 29th Annual Thunder Run next year. I’M A THUNDER RUNNER!

Stella's Place

In honour and loving memory of a little girl named Stella Bruner Methven, there is a new playhouse in the TBA playground called “Stella’s Place”. The Bruner family are longtime Thunder Beachers. In June of 2011, Aimee and Michelle's 2 year-old daughter, Stella, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This summer, with the help of many generous Thunder Beach families, money was raised in Stella’s honour for “Stella’s Place” and also for Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children with cancer. Last August, Stella, accompanied by friends, family, and other supporters, was able to attend a beautiful dedication ceremony for Stella’s Place. It was my honour to organize this fundraiser for such a special little girl. On October 22, 2012, surrounded by the people who loved her most, Stella Joy left this world. She will be forever in the hearts of all her family and everyone who loved her. Her Moms, Aimee and Mishi, will remember Stella as a firecracker and a force to be reckoned with! Stella’s Place stands as a reminder to live each day the best we can and embrace the love, joy and innocence of every child that goes through the door. You can learn more about Stella and her journey at www.stellabrunermethven.com On behalf of your Thunder Beach family this playhouse is for you Stella! By: Lindsay Jones Graham

Luke Santi Memorial Tournament - 2012

Flag Football week set a record this year for the highest participation with 52 players! This year saw veterans and new players joining together to make it another exciting TB event!! Congratulations to the Ti-Cats who were Champions and to the 49ers who were Finalists! The Panthers and Lions finished the week strongly and played-off in the consolation with the Panthers scoring the highest score of the week of all teams with 48 points and clinched 3rd place. All four teams had fun and improved as the week progressed! Special THANKS to Gordon Smeaton and Tyler Richard for their leadership, passion and organization. It was especially wonderful to have Tyler there for the whole week of football this year! Also thank you to Martha, Quinn and Matthew Smeaton who dedicate their time, energy, and enthusiasm to this tournament. Thanks to Jeff Burton who came on board this year to assist in the organization and was our sign-up person at Field Day. To the Santi’s who also work on projects throughout the year and share Luke’s memory and spirit with us. Thanks to the coaches who lead and inspire the young football players! Thanks to our seasoned refs who did a terrific job again – Curtis Kohler and Jayson Waters. Special thanks to Susan Winter for organizing the annual tailgate party. Even with the threat of rain this year (and a broken BBQ!), the tailgate was another success and everyone enjoyed gathering to share football, cheer, and memories! Thanks to all the parents who generously donated food/beverages for ALL! The women’s game, played on Tuesday, was another success and great fun for all who played. New this year, Connor Houston and Tyler Richard each anchored a team as their coach and quarterback! What an entertaining game which went into overtime! In the end, Connor’s team “finally” won! Many highlights and laughs, especially when the “oldest” women on the field received some catches! Who’s check was that??! The co-ed adult game, played after the Championship game, was again a great finale to the week! A wonderful conclusion to an amazing week of flag football! It is fun to see so many players and parents enjoying the spirit of the tournament! Both will continue next year! Plans have already begun for next year - the 10th Annual Flag Football Tournament at Thunder Beach! It will be the sixth season in memory of Luke Santi. Once again, the tournament will be the week following the baseball season. The age restrictions will be 10 to 15 (your age on the first day of the tournament). If you are older than 15 and interested in coaching or officiating, please email Tyler at thetylerrichard@gmail.com Please continue to look for registration information in future TBA newsletters, on the TBA website, and at July Field Day.

Living with Canada Geese at Thunder Beach

Thunder Beach is currently home to a large population of Canada geese. The beach is covered in goose feces on a daily basis and goose droppings are floating in the water, especially after a rainfall. Goose manure is high in phosphorus and nitrogen, nutrients that in excess can cause algae and aquatic plants. An excess of algae and submerged plants can lead to oxygen depletion and cause a fish kill. In addition, goose feces can contain a variety of bacteria which can cause illness in humans. Now is the time to take action before the geese multiply to the point where they cannot possible be controlled. The average lifespan of the Canada goose is 29 years and they produce 1 - 2 pounds of manure each day - do the math! On August 25, at the Annual Meeting of the Thunder Beach Association, a unanimous motion was accepted to apply for a grant under the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund which was recently announced by the Ontario Government. This program provides grants up to $25,000 in order to protect water quality and improve beaches. The grant money would be used to encourage the goose population to move to a less inhabited area by means of seasonal deterrent techniques as outlined by Environment Canada. The application was submitted on September 26. The approach would be three-fold: lakeside home and cottage owners will be deploying a scare technique by placing decoy coyotes along the beach to deter geese from settling on the beach, especially after most people (and most importantly their dogs) have left for the season. A number of decoys have already been placed and hopefully this program will be expanded from the current dozen to many more. In the spring of 2013 a wildlife specialist will be contracted to locate the nests and sterilize the eggs. This method will continue to be used until the geese population no longer returns. With the participation of all waterfront home and cottage owners, a plan will be implemented to maintain a shoreline buffer of tall grasses, shrubs and wildflowers to deter geese from settling in the area again. In addition, contrary to popular belief, Canada geese are not a protected bird and are considered to be a nuisance in many areas with a population far in excess of what would normally exist in the wild. It is legal to hunt geese. Currently a large number of geese are being culled in other areas where they are considered an invasive species. By adopting a goose management plan as outlined, excess phosphorus will be reduced which is an essential element for improving water quality. The purpose of the project is to protect the water at Thunder Beach so that it continues to be drinkable, swimmable and fishable, now and in the future. If the application is approved, a number of volunteers will be needed to assist with locating the nests in the spring and the planting of natural barriers to deter the geese from returning. The cooperation of waterfront home owners will be sought to allow planting in strategic locations. Are you concerned about the future of our beach? Get involved and volunteer for this project by contacting Inez Mitchell - preferably by email - at: inez.mitchell@sympatico.ca By: Inez Mitchell

Dock Company

Unfortunately the Dock Company Report was not available in time to include in this newsletter.

James Barry: A Tribute

Well known historian, James Barry, passed away July 16, 2011 at age 92. Jim, as most people called him, developed a special relationship with Georgian Bay, spending his summers as a young boy playing along its shores and when a little older, sailing his own Mackinaw boat. Later in life he continued to spend his summers at Thunder Bay Beach, on the shores of his ‘Sixth Great Lake”. Jim’s grandparents, Peter and Elizabeth Potvin, sold their lumber interests at Byng Inlet about 1895 and moved to Midland, where they built a beautiful, late Victorian home at the corner of Sixth Street and Dominion Avenue. Part of the Potvin Lumber interests had been a small lumber operation at Thunder Bay Beach, which had been sold to other interests then burned down. A portion of the lands had been retained by the Potvins. Both the log cabin, which was the original Louis Labatte family home, and the mill manager’s home, became the summer homes/cottages of the Potvin and Barry families. So his life was always associated with Georgian Bay. Jim noted in his 1978 second edition of Georgian Bay: The Sixth Great Lake that; “The special charm of the Bay lies in its more sparsely inhabited areas. The essential character of Georgian Bay depends upon outdoor things that change slowly - wind, waves and rocks..............” “Time on Georgian Bay flows softly; the shores are often much as they were a century ago, or even five centuries..................” “-----it is as much a feeling as a place, a subtle feeling of the basic forces of nature at work in winds and water, sunshine and rain.” Few authors have managed to capture the spirit and the human history of Georgian Bay as Jim Barry. He served in the American Army for 25 years, became a university administrator for 10 years, was a director of an arts organization and the author of 20 books on various aspects of Great Lakes history. He leaves his wife, Ann, and it seems he was here only yesterday. Jim was a gentleman of the old tradition and will be sadly missed by all who knew him and who have read what he had to say about his beloved Georgian Bay. By: Jamie Hunter

Betty Doreen Jones

May 15, 1925 – November 22, 2012 Betty was the beloved wife and best friend of Robert Jones. Betty and Bob celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary together on October 10, 2012. Their connection to Thunder Beach started through the Jones family and continued with their honeymoon there in 1947! She is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her four children and their spouses, David and Kathleen Jones (Cedar Ridge), Doug and Diane Jones (Waterloo), Elizabeth and Bob Felder (Pickering) and Barbara and Wally Reidl (Kitchener). Cherished Nanny of Lindsay Graham (Drew), Blair Jones (Laura), Ashley Koets (Dave), Scott Jones (Jane), Lisa Jones, Andrew Jones (Linley), Wayne Felder, Neil Felder and Courtney Jones. Great Nanny to McKenzie & Emily Graham and Myla & Eddie Jones. She had looked forward to welcoming great grandson, Roy Andrew Koets, who was born Nov. 25th. Betty had a wonderful life and enjoyed many lasting friendships that she and Bob shared along the way while living in Toronto, Regina, Kitchener, the Schoolhouse near Ayr, Waterloo and cottaging at Thunder Beach. She loved to entertain, travel, read, play bridge, volunteer and keep a full social calendar! She was a generous and loving mother and grandmother who encouraged and supported her children and was proud of her family and all their accomplishments. Betty was a friend to many and her warm smile welcomed all! She will be remembered as a caring person who was always interested in and willing to help others. Thunder Beach was a special place in her heart and she enjoyed spending time there at both Doug and Diane’s cottage and Barbara and Wally’s cottage throughout the years.

Laura Jones

The Jones family suffered the sudden and tragic loss of Laura Jones, age 31, wife of Blair Jones on December 7, 2012. Laura was the daughter-in-law of David and Kathleen Jones from Cedar Ridge. Blair is the nephew of Doug and Diane Jones and Barb and Wally Reidl at Thunder Beach. Our hearts go out to Blair and his two young children, Myla (3 1/2) and Eddie (10 mos.) and to both Laura and Blair's families.

Sympathies and Congratulations

We are always looking to recognize the passing of members of the Thunder Beach Community as well as new births. If you have any that you would like us to mention in our next newsletter please send them to us at www.thunderbeach.org.