The monthly meeting of the Grand Lake Rec Club was called to order by President, Brad Fisher at the Southshore Sportsman Club. This was our annual Christmas meeting and year in review. Approximately 80 present.
2025 Project and Activity Review
· A comprehensive overview of the club’s activities and projects throughout the year was presented.
· **Log Dog Boat Updates:**The boat received significant updates costing $13,000, including a complete helm overhaul and pontoon repairs by Davis Welding.
· **Mailer and Buoy Cleanup:**Scheduled for January/February, this involves cleaning and re-labeling buoys, and sending out mailers and magnets.
· **Spring Lake Cleanup (Earth Day):**The annual event focused on cleaning up the oil derrick and several beaches, including Boater’s Beach, Prairie Creek Beach, Harbor Point Beach, and a new beach near Cozy Marina.
· **Safety Island Dock Project:**In partnership with LIA, a floating emergency dock donated by Jim and Meredith Speckman was attached to the permanent dock built by Eric Doench that keeps getting destroyed by falling trees.
· **Buoy Placement and Maintenance:**The club assists the state with placing and maintaining buoys, with the Log Dog boat proving more efficient than the state’s boat.
· **Oil Derrick Restoration Efforts:**The oil derrick replica is eroding. Efforts are underway with the LIA and the state to secure restoration funding. The state plans to add more rock around the structure next year.
· **Assistance to the Moose Lodge:**The Log Dog boat was used to help the Moose Lodge repair leaning docks before their Labor Day event.
· **Ditch Cleanup:**The club renewed its commitment to the ditch cleanup program, which now occurs twice a year.
· **Tree and Stump Removal:**Partnered with the state to remove approximately 500 leaning or fallen trees. The Log Dog’s new sonar system was used to precisely locate underwater stumps and logs for removal.
Community Improvement Projects
· **West Bank ADA Dock and Playground Project:**This multi-year project with the LIA is complete. It started with an ADA-accessible dock and expanded to include a playground, shelter house, and concrete pathways. The Sportsman Club’s $7,500 donation funded concrete work, drainage, and an ADA unloading area. Final spring tasks include painting, line striping, stonework, and grass seeding.
· **Equipment Purchase for Cleanups:**The Mobley Foundation suggested the club purchase its own equipment for cleanups using part of a remaining $5,000. After getting quotes, TruLand was selected as the likely vendor. The goal is to have the new equipment (chainsaws, blower, trimmer) ready for the spring cleanup.
State Park Report by Dave Faler (Park Manager)
· **Lake Level & Rainfall:**Lake at -15 inches; 24.78 inches of rain year-to-date, well below typical 42–45 inches—lowest in 10 years.
o A single new building will replace the old office and camp store.
o Last pit toilet in the park will be replaced with a heated, flush restroom with two family units.
o Replace 60-inch corrugated steel tile at East Bank, potentially starting in March; East Bank access will be closed during construction.
o Campground full every weekend from May to October. Mid-week stays up ~10% over last year. Next year’s Memorial Day already fully booked.
o Dredging:
§ 2023: 207,000 cubic yards.
§ 2024: 279,000 cubic yards.
· More Dredged Material Relocation Areas (DMRAs) are needed; landowners near the lake are encouraged to contact Gillis or Grabo.
Fundraising/Benefits
· Bicycle Poker Run:
o **Raffle Prize Suggestions:**A discussion was held to gather ideas for raffle prizes sooner than last year. A sheet was passed around for attendees to add comments and suggestions to a list of prize ideas with rough dollar amounts. Previously raffled items included e-bikes.
o **Bicycle Poker Run:**The annual fundraiser brought in almost $4,300 despite a 100% chance of rain, with over 300 riders participating.
· **Duck Races:**The club will be the recipient of proceeds from the annual duck races at Bayview. The event is scheduled for January 10th at Bayview.
· **Benefit for Alex Grunden:**A benefit is being organized for club member Alex Gruden, who is facing health issues with cancer. The event will be held on January 24th from 3 to 11 at the Union Hall in St. Mary’s and will include music and various raffles. Members interested in donating or helping can contact Chet Knous or Shelly Maxwell.
Future Plans and Announcements
· **Otterbein Boat Tour:**A suggestion was made to host a boat tour for residents on the East Bank, similar to a previous successful one at Otterbein that served 180 people.
· **Beach Jam:**The event will be on July 4th this year, with special plans for the 250th anniversary.
Club drawing was for $220, Rich & Angie Lies: paid, not present. Next Club drawing is for $240.00
Next meeting: January 11th, 2PM @ Buoy’s Bar and Grill
2026 Dues are now due ($20.00 per family for the year)
Respectfully submitted by Amy Ruane, Secretary.