Spring 2018 Thunder Beach Association Newsletter
President's Message
As I am sitting here writing this, I find myself looking out my window at an ice storm in the middle of April. I also find myself daydreaming about those sunny warm days on the beach and believing it can’t be that far away!
I have been thinking about the last seven months and everything that has become important to The Association and trying to define everything into three categories to assist the Executive Team and our association in focusing on execution to sustain our community going forward.
1. Based on all of our projects that we have been working on presently and over the past few years, we have been focused on renewal. Renewal of our tennis courts, renewal of our baseball diamond, renewal of the children’s playground and now the renewal of the clubhouse. All of these projects cannot happen without our membership and their time and financial support. Keeping up our facilities is all of our responsibility as we continue to build for future generations and we have a lot of new little Thunder Beachers that have joined us over the winter. Congratulations to everyone!
We do have other projects in our sight such as the grounds in and around the tennis courts. At this moment we are working very hard on the execution of getting the clubhouse renovation completed - sooner rather than later. Geoff MacGregor has taken this renewal project on and I cannot thank him enough for all of his efforts. I cannot thank all of you, our membership for coming together as a community and realizing the importance of ensuring that all of our facilities can be used and enjoyed by all. We put a goal out there of $50,000.00 and we exceeded that goal, so thank you so VERY, VERY MUCH on behalf of The Executive and on behalf of our community.
2. The next category I feel is important (if not more important) is the need to increase membership of our TBA. As you can see from the above, our community cannot operate without membership and without an executive that continues to focus on our traditions and creating memories that last a lifetime. We all want the future generation and grandchildren to have the same experiences. We cannot do this without membership. So, please continue to subscribe to your membership, continue to attend events and continue to be involved. I would like you all to take a moment to speak to a neighbor or friend that does not subscribe and remind them of what this membership does for the community. As a reminder, if you have children 25 or older, they need to purchase their own memberships. Please take a look at the membership booklet and when required, reach out and buy local (use the companies that have advertised). Membership new and renewal will be available now and as a reminder, I highly recommend that you purchase your tennis membership and event tickets all at the same time to assist in One-Stop Shopping.
3. TBA Executive is my final category I would like to take a moment to address and thank my entire team. We have an awesome team that is committed. We all have a full life of family, jobs, and activities but everyone on this team believes in and makes the TBA a priority, we are blessed. However, in saying this, we have members that have already informed me that this will be their last year. Love to see some new volunteers that want to be part of this great team. Feel free to reach out to me directly.
Membership keeps this community alive, thank you again. Look forward to seeing you in a few short weeks and as always your opinions, comments and suggestions matter.
Matt DuCharme
TBA President
Membership & Roster
Summer must be around the corner because TBA Memberships are now available for purchase/renewal. Please remember that you must have a TBA membership in order to be included in the TBA Roster and to take advantage of other member benefits such as Tennis Membership and the Children's Camp Program. Young adults ages 25 and over must register individually. The good news is that the membership fees remain the same as last year. This year's Roster deadline is Monday, May 21, 2018. If you would like to be included in the 2018 TBA Roster, you must renew your membership by this date, so please don’t delay and renew now.
When renewing your membership, please take care when you fill out the roster form as the information you input will be what appears in the roster.
If you choose not to use the website you many send your cheques payable to:
The Thunder Beach Association
c/o Ellen Macdonald
55 Old Orchard Grove
Toronto
M5M 2C8.
Please address any questions to emac55@rogers.com
Ellen Macdonald
Social Update
Summer is almost here! Please mark your calendars and save the date for this summer’s social events.
Lobsterfest: Saturday, June 30th A Thunder Beach tradition
Lobsterfest is back! Last year ticket sold out in May and our clubhouse hasn't gotten any bigger, so please get your tickets early.
August Event Night: Saturday, August 4th Dinner and Dance... Theme TBD!
It will be hard to beat our Luau pig roast from last year and we are certainly going to try! Stay tuned for the theme!
2018 Children’s Program
July 2nd is drawing near and the Thunder Beach Kids Camp is fully staffed and excited to see all the faces of our Thunder Beach children! New ‘Co-Head Counsellors’, Jenna Johnson and Robbie Butler, are thrilled to take on the role and bring experience, enthusiasm and lots of great ideas for the summer of 2018.
Camp Directors, Christine Lundy, and Melissa Gage have been hard at work behind the scenes, putting the puzzle pieces of staffing together. We are pleased to see the return of many of our valued counsellors, and to welcome our new C.I.T.’s this year.
Below we have provided a reminder of times and cost for camp throughout the summer.
Play School and Sports Camp
Play School – Born: Jan - July 2, 2014 (age 4) - 2012 may attend (6 is included in Play School as the 6-year-olds have the option of being in Play School) ** Due to government regulations, children must have already turned 4 before they are allowed to attend playschool - unfortunately, it does not go by year of birth.
Junior Sports Camp – Born in 2012 - 2009 (2012 is included in Junior Sports Camp as the 6-year-olds have the option of being in Junior Sports Camp)(The younger kids in Junior Sports Camp also have the option to do the Play School craft)
Senior Sports Camp – Children born in 2008 and older
| Day | Play School | Jr. Sports Camp | Sr. Sports Camp |
| Monday | 10:00-12:00 | 10:00-12:00 | 10:00-12:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-12:00 | 10:00-12:00 | 10:00-12:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-12:00 | 10:00-12:00 | 10:00-12:00` |
Tennis Camp
| Day | Ball Play Age 4-6 | Junior Tennis (Born 2012-2009) | Senior Tennis (Born 2008 and older) |
| Tuesday | 9:30-11:00 | 9:30-11:00 | 11:00-12:30 |
| Thursday | 9:30-11:00 | 9:30-11:00 | 11:00-12:30 |
*Ball play is physical activities promoting hand-eye coordination and gross motor movement leading up to tennis play.
*The above scheduled timing will remain the same in the event of rain on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If/when it rains the children will report to the clubhouse for indoor activities
Camp Pricing
| Date/Time | Price |
| Daily | $15 |
| Weekly | $60 |
| July (1-27) | $160 |
| August (July 30 - Aug 24) | $160 |
| Seasons Pass | $280 |
| Flexible Family Pass | $130 |
The “Flexible Family Plan” will remain in effect for the 2018 season. This package allows families to purchase any 10 days of camp for the price of $130. This package will continue to be available throughout the summer. Just a reminder that this package may only be used by registered members of the Thunder Beach Association, and are non-refundable and non-transferable and cannot be carried over from one summer to the next.
Camp scheduling information will be listed as part of the Children’s Summer Calendar which accompanies your roster. Please feel free to contact us with inquiries or feedback at:
melissa.gage@hotmail.com, or crudics@rogers.com.
Looking forward to seeing all of you at the beach!!!
Christine Lundy and Melissa Gage
Thunder Beach Children’s Camp Directors
Thunder Beach Spring 2018 Tennis Report
Life is Always Better When I’m Playing Tennis …
Purchase 2018 Tennis Membership
Tennis season for 2018 is here and we are preparing the courts for play. Harbourview and I have already discussed getting the nets up as soon as the weather cooperates.
TBA Executive is still looking at the issue of “cracks” in the tennis courts.
We have had a request from the tennis members that enjoy DROP IN. Drop-In for many years has been scheduled and happens every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 1pm for the months of July and August.
The Request:
“Looking forward to next year 2018, is it possible to have one of the Drop-in Tennis times changed from 10am and moved to a 9 AM start time, perhaps the Wednesday? Since very few of the players who participate in Drop In have children in the morning camp program, an earlier start time would be appreciated by the tennis drop in players.”
We would like to hear your feedback. To date I have received zero feedback.
I am happy to announce that someone did step forward and volunteer to help with Tennis. We will announce this person at a future date.
Dates for 2018 Adult Tennis Doubles Tournaments:
- Mixed Doubles Adult – July 7th
- Men’s Doubles Adult – July 21st
- Ladies Doubles Adult – August 11th
Please remember you must be both a TBA member and a tennis member to play on the courts – TBA memberships and tennis memberships can be purchased from the TBA website. Tennis tags will be used again for the 2018 Tennis season.
We would also appreciate your ideas, thoughts and feedback for this upcoming season matt.ducharme@sympatico.ca. It is important that we hear from you.
See you on the courts.
Matt DuCharme
Tennis Director
Batter Up!
Thunder Beach Baseball begins its 27th season on Tuesday, July 3rd. The final tournament is set for Friday, July 20th. Ages 6 to 15 years. It’s all about Safety, Fun, Building Community, Fair Play and Leadership… and the children learn how to play baseball too!
Be sure to sign up your children on the TBA website when you renew your membership. Registration will remain at $20. Many thanks to our returning cadre of umpires, the Butler brothers- Dave, Don and Brad.
We need volunteer coaches! Please contact Doug Jones at djones000@sympatico.ca or at Cell: 519 575-7436 Home: 519-884- 4359
The 21st Annual Tawny Richard Memorial Volleyball Tournament
The 21st Annual Tawny Richard Memorial Volleyball Tournament will be held on Saturday July 28, 2018! It’s a six on six tournament that has proven to be a great way to mix and mingle with Thunder Beachers regardless of skill level. It will follow the same format as the last few years, where individuals are assigned to a team upon arrival and there is a small fee of $5 per player to cover costs. Players must be 16 or older. There will be sign-up at the clubhouse and store the week before and on the day of at 10:30 a.m., and then we’ll get the games going by 11:30. Rain or shine!
We would like to thank the Butler and Bolt family for graciously agreeing to host this event again on 12-14 East Beach Road (just a few cottages east of the Simcoe Country road right-a-way – you will see the nets day). Remember to walk (not drive) and to respect their property and the neighbouring properties. Looking forward to those Thunder Strikes and Deep Digs!
John Philpott
Thunder Run
Time to once again dust off your running shoes and get on a training regimen. The 34th Annual Thunder Run will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ 3:30 pm with the start line at the Clubhouse.
As we introduced in 2016, there will be a two option course – the classic 7.5 km race, covering both West and East shore, and a shorter 4.5 km course, covering just West shore and back to 70 Centre Beach Rd (Burkett cottage). We had a record turnout in 2017, so let's keep the momentum going this coming summer. And a big thanks again to Tyler Richard for the fantastic Saucony prize swag provided for last year's race winners. More fun to come this year!
2018 Luke Santi Memorial Flag Football Tournament
Welcome to the 15th year of great Flag Football at Thunder Beach. The tournament, renamed in honour of Luke Santi in 2008, has enabled hundreds of boys and girls to participate and have fun. We appreciate ALL the help from so many TB families and friends.
If you are interested in Playing, Coaching or Refereeing, register using the Sign-up Sheets posted by mid-July at the Clubhouse and the Friendly Corner Store. Please register by Friday, July 20th. Team rosters will be posted at the same locations late afternoon on Sunday the 22nd.
The fee is $20.00 per player. (Ages 10-15 eligible as of July 24th)
The tournament schedule is as follows: [ALL GAMES @ 3:30 & 4:30]
- Monday, July 23rd : ‘Pre-Season’ Practice Games
- NOTE: Arrive in advance of your game to pay and pick up your jersey.
- The ‘pre-season’ practice games will provide players and coaches a chance to familiarize themselves with the game and their teammates.
- Tues July 24th to Thurs July 26th: League Games
- Friday, July 27th: Consolation and Championship Games
- Followed by the Trophy Presentation, popular Adult Game, and the traditional Tailgate BBQ!
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Gordon, Martha, Quinn and Matthew Smeaton
Luigi, Shelagh, Andrea and Janelle Santi
Thunder Beach Spring 2018 Maintenance Report
Harbourview Property Management has once again been contracted by the Thunder Beach Association. Just a reminder that maintenance covers the following areas:
- Clubhouse and washrooms
- Garbage bins, Playground area
- TBA field, Baseball diamond
- Tennis courts
- install and removal of buoys
- clean up after the TBA parties
- helping and on call for Children’s program and Head Counselors
Rental of the Clubhouse
The responsibility for Rental of the clubhouse will now be with the TBA Maintenance/Property Director and Harbourview Property Management (Evan Lahaie). TBA Executive would like to remind the membership of the following:
- Clubhouse CANNOT be rented in the months of July and August. We have a couple of exceptions for memorials or daytime use limited to certain hours
- Clubhouse Rental fees are different for members vs non-members. TBA contract needs to be signed. We encourage everyone and all families to be TBA members
- Due to clubhouse renovations we do not have any dates left for Rentals for months of May, June. September or October is available for rental.
- Interested parties can contact either the TBA Maintenance/Property Director - Matthew DuCharme matt.ducharme@sympatico.ca cell (647)669-2475 or Harbourview - Evan Lahaie evanlahaie@harbourviewpm.com office (705)937-0714
Harbourview Property Management and I would make every effort to speak to any TBA member regarding any suggestions, issues or concerns with managing and maintaining the beauty of Thunder Beach.
Evan Lahaie - Harbourview
TBA Maintenance/Property Director
Thunder Beach Dock Company: Notice to Members
Greetings to all Thunder Beach Gas Dock Members (and soon to be Dock Members)!
The Gas Dock will be open for business on the May long weekend (weather permitting) and on weekends throughout June. Full service on weekdays and weekends will resume on June 30th. Our planned hours of operation will be as follows:
- May long weekend: 10 am to 2 pm (weather permitting)
- June: weekends only, 10 am to 2 pm (weather permitting)
- July - August: Monday to Friday: 12 – 3 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10 am to 4 pm
Members who would like to rent docking space are invited to contact Bill McNamara at (416) 865-7988 during the week or (705) 533-2493 on weekends.
Please do not forget to renew your Dock memberships for 2018 ($160 per family). Your membership support is a essential to the Dock’s financial viability.
We are also looking for 2 or 3 young persons who would be interested in staffing the Dock this summer (16 years of age or older). Please contact Bill McNamara at the numbers indicated above.
We look forward to seeing you on the water!
John Burns, Todd McCarthy, Bill McNamara
Parking and Traffic Report
Summer is fast approaching and soon there will be people out walking, driving, and biking on our lovely beach roads, maybe going to camp, or to play tennis, or to visit friends. Maintaining the speed limit, walking on the left, facing traffic, and increased awareness of our surroundings will help keep everyone safe while on our roads.
Over the winter, communications were opened with Officer David Hobson, Community Safety Officer, Ontario Provincial Police, regarding the new role on the Thunder Beach Executive. He is delighted that our community is interested in further communications and will provide updates on a regular basis that will be shared on the TBA website. Discussions regarding traffic and speeding were undertaken. Further opportunities for community and road safety will be explored.
In the Fall of 2017, communications were also undertaken with Tiny Township staff regarding new parking signage around the beach. An onsite visit from the staff occurred and as a result, some signage was removed or relocated to increase clarity.
Tiny Township Parking Strategies
In 2017, The Township made major changes to their parking program, whereby all open parking was converted to permit parking only and pay parking was instituted at the major public beaches in the township. Signage indicating these changes were placed at the two entrances to Thunder Beach, on County Rd 6 and on Thunder Beach Road. Feedback was sought from the Tiny Township community until September 30, 2017. The final report can be viewed here.
Susan Inwood
Traffic & Safety
Wishart Spence Award Nominations
The Wishart Spence Award is presented to a member of the Thunder Beach community who has shown outstanding community service.
This is generally awarded every two years or from time to time as determined by the Thunder Beach Association Executive. Nominations from community members will be reviewed and considered by the Thunder Beach Association Executive. The Executive focuses on outstanding community service and considers the impact and scope of the community contribution(s), the sacrifices made by the nominee, and community support. Past nominations/nominees will continue to be considered. The award is presented at the Annual General Meeting.
Please consider nominating someone who has made a positive impact on our Thunder Beach community by going to the Wishart Spence Award page and clicking on the NOMINATION FORM link.
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