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Rhonda's Report, 8364 Mule Team Trail, Atlanta, FL (2025)

10/23/2025

Peak season is ending, as rain and wind have done their best to make leaves really “fall.” Members who have taken the trouble to blow or rake up leaves wake up mornings to a fresh “fall.” Why should we rake in this never-ending story of leaves everywhere?

Getting leaves off grass will help sun and air reach your yard for future growth. It will also prevent mold and fungus, and ticks. Ticks like to hibernate in wet, dark compost environments. Do not burn leaves, which is forbidden on the ranch. Raking the leaves around trees can protect their roots, and blowing them to the perimeter allows leaf habitat to benefit other hibernating species, like honey bees.

The lake habitat has not frozen yet, and we still have many days of sunshine left to paddle. But if you have a kayak, rowboat, or paddleboat, they must be removed by November 15 from common areas. Some mornings are colder than the water temperature, as evidenced by the hovering fog.

Deer kill is still ongoing for archers out back and in culling areas. Since last report, Gus Skoutelas and Fred George both bagged 2-1/2 year-old does. Jamil Mansour harvested an 8-point buck from Clare County. Jason Fannon and Connor Schaible also brought in 8-point trophies. Connor had the help of his father, grandfather, and uncles bringing in his buck. Connor then showed up at the Trunk or Treat as a bow hunter in a tree stand and took a medal there! Well, done CCR son!

Speaking of the Trunk or Treat, everyone had a fun night with decorated trunks and plenty of costumed kids! A “Frozen”-themed trunk took a trophy, complete with a snow-suds blowing machine. Another trophy winner was the pirate ship, making kids walk the plank over shark-infested waters in order to get their treats. Third winner was a “Tommy Boy” car, complete with a buck in the back seat. Thirteen costumed kids took medals, from a Detroit Lions "lion" to a baby hummingbird. The Banana kid even did a banana split.

Actually, before all of that, we had the highly competitive Chili Cook-off. Crowds of people came to taste the wares of 10 chefs. The rain had halted for the day, and the sun was shining as tasters went around the tent and voted. First place went to Tim Herremans for his Everything Chili, second place went to Gary Wruble for his and his daughter’s Meaty Chili, and third place went to Rhonda Wetherington for the Buffalo Bourbon Chili.

The Ranch House Grille will remain open on Friday evenings, Saturday all day, and Sunday for brunch. However, we will not be serving Thanksgiving dinner this year, so grab someone to share a meal with and get ready for some Lions football!

If you head to the sports store, though, to get a football for the family tag game, make sure it’s already pumped up, or they will charge you for inflation. Peace and happiness!

10/16/2025

Mid-October brings cooler temperatures up north, but we are still not freezing at Canada Creek Ranch. Rain is forecasted, which will probably take some color off the trees. Maples have mostly reached peak here; aspen and oak are still turning. Acorns can be heard rolling off rooftops and pinging in the woods.

Successful bow hunters since last report include does harvested by Jack Schaible, Rick Card, Marc McLennan, and Jon Dolbee. Gil Olds came in with a 4-1/2 year old, 8-point buck. All were recovered on CCR property. Congratulations, hunters!

The Ladies Auxiliary recently held the Harvest Dinner, which featured Italian dishes and desserts. The buffet was well-received, and the event included raffles and auctions. It’s one of the last events before snowbirds take off for warmer weather.

In order to trim the remaining 2025 budget, the Ranch House Grille will adjust hours to only Friday dinner, Saturday all day, and Sunday brunch. Also the decision has been made to not have the Thanksgiving Dinner. Though many patrons considered it delicious and convenient for a family/friends gathering, it has not supported itself financially. So make a turkey, invite a few friends, and watch the Lions at 1:00 pm for the holiday.

Another change is our “green box” marshal. Russ Clark has been our stalwart attendee for many years. He says he is sad to retire, after creating so many memories and treating everyone’s dog to biscuits. He says thank you for all the coffee, cocoa, and other goodies, and he hopes members will come visit him at home – bring your doggies for a treat there! However, he is not taking any more trash in his truck! We will miss you, Russ.

Accordingly, Harold Braun, a member and former maintenance employee at the Ranch, is taking over at the green box. Be sure to say hello when you see him! Recently hours had been changed to just Wednesdays and Sundays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m.

CCR Book Club met October 14 to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Many topics were discussed: midwifery, women's role in the 1700s, family relationships, and poetic justice. It was a lively book club, and members rated the book a 4.5 out of 5. The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano was selected for next month. This novel is also a historical fiction surrounding the true story of Margaret Jones, the first woman to be found guilty of witchcraft in Massachusetts. She, in fact, was a "healer" with a child on the way. Reviews are that it is a gripping, intimate novel. Book club will meet again on Tuesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. in the boardroom. You are welcome to join us there or by Zoom!

Witches often stick together as broom-mates, but if you want to make one scratch, take off her w. That might make her nervous though, causing her to t-witch instead. At any rate, if you want to know more about witches, just visit wicca-pedia. Peace and happiness!

10/10/2025

Bow hunting is in full swing on the Ranch, and we have had a few successful hunters, with Jerry Briggs and Pat Earl bagging does in culling areas. Culling areas are designated on the common wooded property around the ranch residential area.

Archers aren’t the only ones with wildlife kills, though. Recently a bull elk was found dead on rye field 4. A conservation officer was called in, a necropsy was performed, and they determined that the bull had died fighting with another elk.

Hunter’s Round-up will take place on November 14, with dinner and a drawing of raffle prizes. First place will be a new $3,600 e-bike with trailer and a $100 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift certificate. Second prize will be a fishing kayak and a $100 Jay’s Sporting Goods gift certificate. Third gets a $250 certificate from Jay’s. Get raffle tickets from the Ranch House or Ray Carbon for $20 each, or 3 for $50 (only 1,500 total available).

After months-long delay, the forestry program is restarting, with equipment moving into the southeast side of out back. The treatment is scheduled to end by November 7. Also, unfortunately, our full-time Ranch biologist, Alleigh Pagels, has resigned to pursue other employment. Her work here was tireless, and we appreciate all she has done for the ranch.

Because of some analysis after the ice storm, the Ranch has purchased emergency Starlink internet service and a generator to power this system. During the storm, internet service was out, some of which took weeks to repair. This should help greatly for members trying to contact family, friends, and services should that happen again.

The board of directors is asking members to add reflective address signs at their properties, for easy emergency services’ visibility. This has been incorporated into the building code, but having everyone do this will help to identify where support is needed.

The annual chili cook-off is happening on Saturday, October 18 from noon until 2 p.m. This is a free event. Vote for your favorite chili from our chefs! This is a fun-filled time, with members vying for the grand prize trophy. Chilis have ranged from white chicken chili, to hot Texas chili, to Buffalo Bourbon chili.

Afterward, on the same day, the kids dress in costume for the annual Trunk or Treat. Costumes will be judged by our event marshalls as kids stroll around the decorated trunks. In the past, we have had many original,elaborate trunks handing out candy. We hope this year is the same, with trophies and gift certificates for the winning trunks.

Our Ranch House Grille offers consistent hours and is open Thursday night through Sunday brunch, with specials also on Monday nights. Warm up with wonderful soups, buffets, and dinners.

Mum’s the word in this season of mummies and chrysanthemums. Though you should never hang out with a mummy, as that could be a grave mistake and you might find yourself on a dead end. The chrysanthemums are pretty, though. Peace and happiness.

10/02/2025

Lady Aurora Borealis has been a frequent visitor lately, and CCR member photos taken across Lake Geneva and Horsehead Lake have revealed green, blue, and pink spectacles. These include wobbling light flashes and bar movement in an ever changing event. Most times it is after 11 p.m. in the evening, but lately members have seen Northern Lights right after sunset and in early morning hours.

Though it is true that we see Aurora around the spring and fall equinoxes, she can show up at any time, with no real rhyme or reason. Some believe it’s the clash between the cold and warm fronts. But the sun is the real reason behind this excited atmospheric condition. Solar flares are producing solar winds that crash into earth’s atmosphere, resulting in Northern Lights activity.

Some can predict these through phone apps, such as Aurora Forecast, by looking at the map or the KP index. Newscasters have also let us know if Northern Lights are possible that night. According to the app, there are a few more possibilities in October on weekend nights. Scientists predict the next few years in the “solar cycle” will be very active, according to information from Michigan Tech.

Most naked vision has a hard time viewing the green and pink skies, because our eyes don’t have a long enough exposure. But a 3 second exposure on your phone camera will portray the real activity going on. So for those who can’t make it to Iceland, make a visit up north to a wide open field or lakeshore!

Canada Creek Ranch also has exciting events in its rotation this month. Ladies Auxiliary is selling tickets to its Italian Extravaganza Harvest Dinner, which is on Wednesday, October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For $30, you can have mostaccioli with marinara, chicken piccata, mushroom ravioli, meatball and Italian sausage, vegetables and salads, garlic bread, and Tiramisu for dessert! There will also be raffles for some great items. Buy tickets soon from Janet Edwards, Carolyn Marshall, Kathryn Geralds, or the front desk.

We will also have our annual Chili Cookoff and Trunk or Treat events on the 18th (a likely night for northern lights!). A cadre of chefs will prepare their best recipes for your judging to vie for prizes from noon to 2 p.m. Then later come dressed for fun and circle the decorated wagons at the ball field from 5 to 7 p.m. for trophies, medals, candies, and prizes.

Of course, bow hunting season has started since October 1, so be courteous when going out back. Culling areas are also open for archery. Hunters should remember to report their harvests at the ranch house. The cooler is now available to house deer for the interim before processing.

So continue to look to the northern skies this month! Though the sun has produced great mystical fantasia, some people think it’s the full harvest moon that has supernatural powers. But then most of these folks are just lunar-tics. Peace and happiness.

09/25/2025

Along with the recent successful bear hunt on the Ranch, members have reported bear s**t near residences. Although bears are mostly herbivores, if they are surprised or with young cubs, they can be dangerous. Though they do not hunt other animals, if a small one appears, and they are hungry enough or provoked, bears will maul and eat the carcass. Remember to bring bird feeders in at night to prevent bears from forming habits of entering the residential area and damaging gates, fences, and feeder poles.

Pumpkin patches are open, which is another source of food for critters. Deer will stomp on them, break them up, and eat them for supper. Growing their darker fall coats now, deer will soon look a little furrier. Fawns can still be seen frolicking in the cabin area; one doe was contending with nursing triplets.

A few hunters were successful in the early hunt this month. Jim Schaible, Jerry Briggs, Pat Earl, and Gil Olds all bagged does on CCR property. Congratulations!

Canada Creek Ranch recently held its annual meeting where a dues proxy failed, and two new board members were elected: Steve Boyce and Jan Dowe. Vicki Rakowski retained her seat in her reelection bid. Al Lifsey was announced as board director filling the vacant seat until the end of 2025.

Recently seventeen volunteers scoured the embankments of M-33 to clean litter from south to north entrances during the Adopt-A-Highway event. Also, the Ladies Auxiliary is collecting toiletry items for the high school, in another community effort. The “Just in Case” program will take donations in the tub in the Ranch House entryway.

The Gift Shop, also run by the Auxiliary, has lots of new items and apparel. Make a visit on weekends to see what’s new. In addition, the Ladies Auxiliary is hosting the Harvest Dinner on Wednesday, October 15. Tickets are $30 for this Italian-themed event; purchase from the Ranch House, Janet Edwards, or Marilyn Clark.

The next culinary event, the Recreation Committee’s annual Chili Cook-off, happens a few days later on Saturday, October 18 at noon at the ballfield. Around ten to twelve chefs will offer their best efforts for tasting. This is a free family event, and attendees will be given small sample bowls. This year, each tasting participant will be given one voting ticket for what they consider the best chili this year.

Afterwards, on the same day from 5 to 7 p.m., the Recreation Committee will host the Trunk or Treat event. Kids are invited to show up in their best costumes; adults are encouraged to go all out decorating their trunks. Medals will be given to winning costumes, plus tons of candy treats for everyone. A special trophy will be given to the best group/family costume theme. Trunk prizes include trophies and gift certificates.

Let’s all do the Monster Mash and have some fun this year! Which is actually a song about a song called the Monster Mash, about a dance called the Monster Mash. Google it. Peace and happiness.

09/18/2025

Color is happening on the ranch bit by bit. Ferns are turning a spackled rusty hue, wild blueberries’ leaves are becoming red, and maple trees are tipped in golds and oranges. Along M-33, sumacs are brightly blazing. Pines are taking on that turpentine smell, and small creeks leading from Geneva have a fetid compost aroma. Wild plants are going to seed, and pollen is beginning to wreak havoc for allergies.

Shots can be heard from the gun range, which is open on weekends for trap, and also from early doe season hunters. Culling areas are posted, and members can get a map of those from the ranch house.

Bear hunting was successful for Jon Perry on the ranch property. He and his son were especially grateful for the help of Jeff Miller and Gil Olds to load it up. It was a fine example of CCR camaraderie to help each other! The bear used the new freezer locker to await processing. Members still can donate to the expense of the locker at the front desk. It also has been used for the Liberty Hunt, and will be valuable in the warmer temperatures.

As a reminder, the spring ice storm left behind branches and tree debris. We are still looking to clear most of it, to prevent wildfire fuel. Please help by removing brush on your property and, if you can, the surrounding areas. Please don’t move it to another area – there is a brush pile by the green box area for disposal.

Some new rules will be going into effect concerning the beach area and hunting areas. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are not allowed in the designated swimming area of the beach, in addition to fishing and other boats. Out back in the hunting areas, hunters should remove all ribbons, tags, and artificial designations after March 1. Cameras are still allowed, however.

Our History Museum construction is nearly complete, well in advance of the December deadline. The Historical committee is still looking for any old shooting photos or memorabilia to be placed for its contents. Please contact Earl Sowers, Jo-Carole Zechel, or Sandra Otto if you think you have anything of historical interest.

Our staunch historian, Barbara Steele, reached her final earthly resting spot at Oakland Memorial Cemetery in Novi, MI on Saturday, September 13, 2025. A butterfly release symbolized her free spirit and honored her memory. Barb passed away on June 18, 2025, and a memorial dinner was held at the Ranch House on August 10.

October events are planned! Tickets are available for the Ladies Auxiliary Harvest Dinner for $30 on Wednesday, October 15. The Chili Cook-off and the Trunk or Treat will be held on October 18 at the beach ballfield – a whole day of family fun!

A trunk one year looked very chill with its beach theme. Too bad the participants stayed out too long in the sun and looked like skeletons! Stay warm or cool this week, whichever Michigan weather dictates! Peace and happiness.

09/12/2025

Another huge acorn drop this year, possibly due to the stress that the white oaks went through during the ice storm. The ranch is still undergoing cleanup outback, but the well site trails now are locked with chains to prohibit driving on them. Some tree limbs are still falling when there are gusty winds, in the cabin area and out back, so be cautious.

The next week should be warm and give members a chance to continue to clean up, ride down the creek, and see plenty of wildlife. According to our forest advisors, many deer are browsing in the woods because of the downed trees, instead of grazing the rye fields. In our lakes, Alleigh Pagles, our ranch biologist, has been conducting a fish survey. She foresees an abundant bass and sunfish population for the spring.

The coyote population, however, has been infected with distemper virus, according to Wayne Sitton, from Dr. Deer wildlife management. One member related that he saw a coyote going in circles, presumably infected with distemper, and put the coyote down near the rifle range. Coyote hunting and trapping is year round, because they are considered a nuisance and danger to other wildlife.

The fox population, though, is thriving, and adults can be seen crossing the trails in the residential area and on the hill near the bowl on Bridge Trail. Woodpeckers and flickers are still drilling the trees, and turkeys are stalking and scratching for food everywhere. Grouse season opens on September 15.

CCR book club recently had Rick Wetherington present his experiences at the Kennedy Space Center as a NASA photographer. Some of those involved rocket and shuttle failures. The next book for October is “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawson. The club will meet at 7 pm on October 14.

Our roads took a beating with the Labor Day traffic and rains, but our maintenance crew is on it, and has been leveling off the potholes. Also on the roads and trails are electric bikes. They are very convenient and fun, but there are different classes of e-bikes that the ranch is looking at to determine what access they should have. A committee of members is offering input, and those who would like to be involved should contact board member Cameron Geralds.

Upcoming is the board director elections and a proxy proposal for members to consider. Results for all will be revealed on September 20 at the annual meeting. Members have until that day to vote and are encouraged to look in their email for the electronic ballot. If you can’t see it, perhaps look in your spam folder. If you are having any difficulty, the front desk personnel can help or you can obtain a paper ballot.

Junk mail comes in all forms. I just got an email from Google detailing how they have devised a way to read maps backwards. That turned out to be spam, though. Peace and happiness.

09/04/2025

Delving into September means Labor Day recreation is over and we’re into fall beginnings. School buses are running, and kids and grandkids are already into sports. At the ranch, though, it has quieted, with a few days left here and there to put the kayaks into the lake. Dogs are still getting in a few swims from Tibbit’s Landing. Nights are seeing temperatures in the forties, and fall chrysanthemum sales are beginning to pop up.

Our Labor Day weekend was a joyful break for many families, and the art show was buzzing with buyers. The ducky race was suspenseful as families gathered at Wilson Bridge to watch them float into the finish line net. First place was Christin Broski’s ducky, second was Harold Braun’s, and third went to Mary Jo Ferguson. Last place was Dorothy Tank’s duck. Lars and Bob helped at the creek’s finish line net, decked in waders, but that didn’t help Lars when he fell in.

Eighteen teams competed at the final summer co****le event, with the Fuzzy Bags team coming in first and the Side Pieces second for the competitive side. Shuck It team was first, while the Red Caps and Gopher Jrs. came in second on the recreational side. Night was falling just as teams finished.

Volunteers for the Ranch were feted on Saturday, August 30, with a luncheon of cold cuts, salads, and soups. Many volunteer areas were represented, from ice storm helpers and food plot caretakers, to librarians and event personnel. Brian Rogers, Ranch Manager, made sure to visit each table to thank volunteers.

The campground hosted its annual Trailer Treat event, and over fifty youth were dressed in pre-Halloween fashion, going from camper to camper. One little puppy was even dressed as Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” because her name was, well, Belle. Other princesses were floating around, along with teenagers dressed as “athletes.” Campers were decorated with lights, spooky webs and witches, and lots of candy buckets.

An amazing glow-in-the-dark pickleball event was held Sunday evening, with lights on the nets and lines, and luminescent paddles. Many families packed up the next day to head back to reality. Remember to help the Ladies Auxiliary food bank donations in the Ranch House entry when leaving for the season!

The Ranch House Grille is open, with specials for dinners, from barbeque pork to New Zealand red stag. Sunday boasts the plentiful buffet brunch. We have many chili chefs on the Ranch signing up to compete in the October Chili Cook-Off. Competitors should contact Kara Schymanski to get on the list.

Though autumn is on its way, it’s still the end of summer, so soak in all the vitamin D from the sun that you can while the acorns pop off oak trees. A few squirrels were starting their stashes, but then a bear critter-sized them for hoarding. A chipmunk defended them with “You are what you eat!” But we don’t have to believe him, because he is a nut. Peace and happiness.

08/28/2025

The sun is traveling southerly as we move into September, though we still have nice days in the forecast. Because of cooler nights, “Deer Island” in Lake Geneva often looks mysteriously misty in the early hours. Aspens and poplars shush in the wind, and if you need a piece of Zen, take a walk on our trails or sit on a dock to enjoy the peace.

Soon enough, hunters will be out with Youth Deer Hunt this month (a.k.a. Liberty Hunt), for those 16 and under and qualifying individuals with disabilities. The fall turkey season also begins September 15 and runs until November. Archers are getting ready for bow season, beginning October 1. The Ranch is incorporating a new rule that all man-made materials (including ribbons and tags) be removed after hunting season by March. This does not include cameras, however.

Members are invited to continue making donations for the deer cooler, which is next to the lean-to at the ranch house. This walk-in cooler can contain 12 deer below 40 degrees on warmer days during hunting seasons. A pavilion is currently underway to house the cooler. Donations can be mailed or submitted to the office.

Do you remember when the gun range was by M-33? How far we have come, thanks to our shooting sports committee. With concrete slabs, shelters, and signage at ranges out back, shooters can enjoy practicing their bow, shotgun, rifle, and handgun skills. We are asking members to dig around old photos that may show the old range out front to help the historical committee in their efforts for the museum. Please contact Earl Sowers, Jo-Carole and Gary Zechel, or Sandra Otto if you find any.

Other activities besides hunting are ongoing through September: pickleball at 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Tai Chi at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays; fitness classes on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.; and of course, bridge and poker on Tuesdays.

Labor Day weekend will see a variety of fun stuff. Friday starts it off with the last outdoor summer co****le at 7 PM at the ranch house. Also Friday and Saturday, there will be garage sales. Saturday’s schedule includes the volunteer luncheon and the ducky race at 4. The Grille will have dinner featuring Krzysiaks’ Polish dishes. Sunday is the big day for the Art Fair 10 am to 2 pm. Come get a unique handmade item and meet your CCR crafters!

The September 16 wine-tasting asks participants to bring hard ciders for comparison, and appetizers will be provided. This starts at 7 p.m. in the Bickley room; the cost is $10 per person. It’s a very fun event and a great way to meet new people at the ranch.

The book club is meeting on September 9 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom to discuss the book “Atmosphere,” which has a setting of Kennedy Space Center during the shuttle period. We will have a special guest, and maybe two, of professionals who worked there from this time period. All are welcome!

If you look into the sky on these cooler nights, you can see many stars, including Ursa Major and Minor (Big and Little Dippers), and Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter. That’s just another blessing to living “up north”: you feel a little bit closer to the sky. If you tilt your head too long though, you may end up with three ears: a right ear, a left ear, and a final front-ear. Peace and happiness.

08/21/2025

Cooler temperatures are turning the tips of some trees gold and a few orange maple leaves are spotting the ground, where ferns are beginning to brown. It’s not fall yet, but these events warn us to do what we can outside while the weather still permits. Repairing roofs from the ice storm and putting on those last coats of paint may be some of the activities, but also take advantage of the cooler temperatures to go for longer walks or fish in our beautiful lakes.

Coming up on the Labor Day weekend, the Ranch will be very busy. The last co****le session is planned for Friday. Last week's first place winner in the competitive category was the “Ralph & Me” team. First place in the recreational category was “H & H.” We will see who finishes the season well on August 29. Also on Friday and continuing through the weekend are the Labor Day garage sales. Find the list in the office for your bargain hunting.

Then on Saturday, August 30, the Ranch is hosting the Fifth Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ranch House Grille. If you helped in any way, shape, or form – on committees, at events, tree planting, ice storm clean-up, elk hunt, sub-committee projects, food plots, and more – you are invited to attend! Please call the ranch house to RSVP no later than August 27.

After the volunteer recognition, we will hold the annual Rubber Ducky Race down at Wilson Bridge at 4 p.m. Buy your duck at the front desk for $5 and receive the number of your racing duck. First place prize is $200, with a second and third prize also. Proceeds will go to the CCR Foundation, which benefits us and the surrounding area in environmental projects.

Next on Sunday, join us at the ballfield for one of the best art and craft shows around. Any guests should be sponsored by a member, and there will be plenty of artsy goods to peruse. Pottery, jewelry, soaps, candles, doll clothes, herbal products, and so much more will be available for purchase. This is your chance to pick up something unique for yourself or for a gift!

The Ladies Auxiliary-sponsored Wine Tasting was held on Tuesday, August 19 in the Bickley room, and our own CCR sommelier, Lindsay Miller, taught us about differences in the French and West Coast red wines of gamay and cabernet. Gamays are fruity red wines, with berry notes, and less tannins. The cabernets were more full-bodied, often from oak barrels. Attending participants provided the appetizers, resulting in a wide variety of eats. There will be one more wine tasting event on September 16, featuring hard ciders. Participants should bring their fermented fruit drink, and appetizers will be provided.

We have quite a few apple orchards and farms around here that sell some of the best cider. One farm, though, had chickens crossing the road to get to the other cider. Peace and happiness!

07/17/2025

Woodpeckers have been rampant on the Ranch, leaving red pines with many holes. One tree is so chewed up, it looks like a bear was cleaning its nails on it. We have the pileated woodpecker here on the ranch, an obvious-to-recognize hammer on the trees, but there are many others, including flickers. Our poor trees sure have gone through a lot this year.

The Ranch is still busy cleaning up brush, as many vacationers have come up to load wagons, run chainsaws, and pick up limbs. Our pickleball “Storm Troopers” also helped out in July to pick up all around the courts.

The pickleball tournament on Independence Day was hugely popular and a great success. There were 17 teams total, with Jamil and Hyder Mansour taking first in competitive and Jack Schaible and Dave Weber taking second. The recreational winning team was Torri and Andre, and Grant and Andrew came in second. Pickleball continues to be played on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 9 a.m. on the campground courts.

Friday night co****le is still ongoing, with Hunt’n’ Buddies in first place on July 11, Red Caps second, JD’s in third place, and Bob Babuska winning the ticket prize. Plans are for it to continue until at least Labor Day.

The Historical Committee is still looking for photos to include in the museum, which is well on its way to being complete on the outside. If members have any photos of the old shotgun range on M-33 or the old rifle range, please contact Nancy Thurston at 989-306-7757. Committee members are continuously looking through old photos, slides, and articles that may be pertinent to the museum.

A hunter’s safety program will be held in the Bickley room on July 30, July 31, and August 1. Sign up is at the ranch house. Crafts for kids will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the beach pavilion on July 19, July 26, and August 2.

New candidates for the board of directors have been announced and their biographies and experience are in the CCR newsletters, both online and mailed. President Vicki Rakowski is running to retain her seat, and Steve Boyce, Janet Dowe, Mark Peltier, and Rhonda Wetherington are on the ticket for the total of three positions. Bob Delecki and Nick Schultz are termed out, and the ranch was very fortunate to have their service. Voting will take place in September.

Canada Creek Ranch is the place to be this summer, and if you get too hot up here, just wait until tomorrow. Keep your windows open while it’s cool with our natural air conditioning. And if you hear someone knocking, it could be your neighbor’s roofer, or just that red-bellied woodpecker. Remember – life is tough, but just keep pecking away at it. Peace and happiness!

Rhonda's Report

10/23/2025

10/16/2025

10/10/2025

10/02/2025

09/25/2025

09/18/2025

09/12/2025

09/04/2025

08/28/2025

08/21/2025

07/17/2025

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