MEOTA — As the summer season on Jackfish Lake winds down, members of Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail were able to get together for two evening get-togethers. Several members of MLPS deserve to be recognized for all their work during the already busy summer months.
Heather Hallgrimson, our first vice-commodore has been exceptional in sharing her experience on how to promote an organization and have it run more smoothly. She designed an online registration form that has streamlined applying to be a member. This had a direct result in bringing in 38 family memberships and 10 individual memberships. When you include all the children we now have more than 100 members. Heather also designed and posted a new website that has the current information on what MLPS has to offer. Check it out @ Meota Paddle and Sail. She has been brilliant in keeping our organization’s paperwork looked after so we can continue to exist as a non-profit.
Patrick Eckerman, our 2023 second vice-commodore has worked tirelessly to get sailing off the ground. We were thrilled to see two full classes take four days of lessons from the Sask Sailing Mobile School. Patrick and his family have decided to move to British Columbia for work-related reasons and we are going to miss their extensive involvement.
Dirk VanEe has been an exceptionally dedicated harbour master. Simple changes, like keyless entry, have made a world of difference to members. Keeping the building and grounds comfortable and maintained has been noticeable this year. This has resulted in increased demand for rentals. Although many people have pitched in to help, having a knowledgeable individual keeping an eye on the facility has made all the difference. Vern Burgardt was able to complete important storage solutions for the many members who participate on their SUP boards. Leo Janssens and his ride-on mower have made short work of all the grass that needs to be kept trimmed.
Charlene Esquirol, treasurer, and Tobi Torresan, communications director, will both be continuing in their roles on the board. Kathy Martin will be stepping down from her role as membership chair. This is one position that is challenging to fill, but we’re hoping that by spring renewal time we’ll have someone new to take on that job.
We have had an amazing team of volunteers take on fundraising. Gil and Lori Risling, Caroline VanEe, Elaine Iverson and Diane Garrett raised enough money to purchase the new windows that the building desperately needs. We’re all anxiously looking forward to them being installed this fall.
MLPS presently has three directors at large who have pitched in to help in various roles. Lefa Sproxton, Dryden Kalesnikoff and Kathy Saretsky have all been actively improving the organization. Hospitality has also seen a huge revival. Kathy Johnson, Elaine Iverson, Lori Risling and Shirley Adamus have all been wonderful in welcoming members and non-members alike.
Anne Baillargeon stepped up again this year and worked her fingers to the bone cleaning the carpet to get the clubhouse ready for a rental.
Joe Gerlinsky tried his utmost to facilitate disabled sailors on Jackfish Lake, but the extremely shallow water at the shore presented insurmountable issues. The disabled sailors have moved their boats back to Blackstrap.
We have noticed several members who like to keep the beach clean. Unfortunately, I would be remiss if I mentioned any names here because I’m certain that I’d miss someone. It’s just nice to be able to walk barefoot on the sand and not worry about thistles and seaweed.
We would like to give credit where credit is due. Sophie Hallgrimson (who is going into Grade 4) pitched right in and placed all the seashells on the boardwalk. That and the new sign that Leo Janssens installed set the stage for a very place. Mary Shury has printed brochures which vanished in the blink of an eye. Once they are updated, I’m sure she’ll be printing more.
We look forward to continued support from the Meota community. We also look forward to a 2024 fundraiser with Gil and Lori Risling stepping up with another Fabulous Evening Out. The facility could always use more traffic and is a great place to spend your summer.
I came across a photograph on a poster that was printed in 1987. The beach was lined with at least 30 sailboats. It’s unlikely we’ll be seeing that again any time soon, but by diversifying the water activities we participate in, we’ve managed to survive and thrive for all those who enjoy being right on the water.
