The monthly meeting of the Grand Lake Rec Club was called to order by President Brad Fisher at Shingleshack. Vice President Keith Seitz read the July meeting minutes. Treasurer Mike Metz read the treasurer’s report. Approximately 23 members were present.

Treasurer’s Report and Financials

• July was a quiet month financially. The checking account balance as of July 31 was $23,856.
• The Trevor Mobley Foundation fund balance is $1,517.
• A $200 pledge to Kevin Brown’s Pro-Life Bike Ride was paid – $100 from the Mobley Foundation and $100 from the Rec Club.
• Log Dog fuel for July cost approximately $190.
• The club considered renewing its membership with the Celina Mercer Chamber of Commerce for $95.
• A motion was passed to approve the renewal.

Trevor Mobley Foundation “Light Up the Lake” Conclusion

• After five years, the Trevor Mobley Foundation will conclude its “Light Up the Lake” event.
• The decision was made out of respect for organizers, families, and friends who find it difficult to continue participating.
• The event raised more than $130,000 for lake lighting, safety equipment, and to honor Trevor’s memory.
• The foundation still has funds available and plans to support maintenance of the club’s equipment for years to come.

Maintenance and Safety Initiatives

• The club needs to resume logging activities and check safety lights on piers, as some have been damaged or stolen.
• The light on the oil derrick is dim and not working properly. A new Sea Light unit costs $1,745 plus freight and comes with a three-year warranty.
• A motion was passed to purchase the new light.
• The club will provide two blue lights for the Eagles club entrance, costing $279, to improve nighttime navigation.
• There is a plan to GPS plot all buoy locations next year for more accurate placement before the buoys are pulled for the season.
• A suggestion was made to purchase a defibrillator (AED) and donate it to the state park for placement at the shelter houses. The discussion was tabled.

East Bank Improvements

• A new ADA-compliant playground, funded by the LIA, is being installed at the East Bank Shelter House and should be complete before the Kids’ ADA Fishing Derby.
• A request was made for bike racks at the shelter house.
• Members were asked to submit ideas for improvements to East Bank and other lake areas.

Future Fundraising and Oil Derrick Committee

• A committee will be formed to develop a proposal to secure funding from oil companies for the oil derrick. This will be a “winter project.”
• The proposal will include the derrick’s history, photos, and a well-structured presentation to help secure donations.

Upcoming Events and Administrative Updates

• Duck Races: The club is coordinating with Bayview to set a date, narrowed to January 16 or January 23.
• Pink Anchor Foundation Event: September 12. The club plans to have the Log Dog present to assist.
• Kids’ ADA Fishing Derby: September 16. Volunteers and cookie donations are needed.
• Logging/Cleanup: Cleanup days are scheduled for Saturdays, August 22 and August 29, and potentially Friday of Labor Day weekend, September 4.
• Officer Nominations: All four officer positions were unopposed, so no election was needed. Paul Dirksen is the three-year trustee, LJ Bertke the two-year trustee, and Eric Doench the one-year trustee.
• September Meeting: The location has been changed to the Celina Eagles on September 13.
• Club Drawing: The drawing was for $200. Todd and Emily Klosterman, #81, were drawn but were not paid up. The next drawing will be for $220.

ODNR and Lake Management Updates

• Harmon’s project is expected to receive construction funding next year.
• ODNR is moving toward allowing more shoreline habitat to grow and is creating a map of these areas to share with the club.
• The state is bringing $6.5 million in funding to Grand Lake for projects including new boat ramps, docks, and a new restroom at East Bank, where the old marina will be torn down.

Next Meeting

September 13 at 2 p.m. at the Celina Eagles

2026 dues are now due – $20 per family for the year.

Respectfully submitted by Amy Ruane, Secretary