Methuen Lake Cottage Association
October 2023
New memories were forged and while many will be forgotten, this summer will be remembered for cottagers lost in the woods, a blueberry crop like we hadn’t seen forever and smoke from distant fires. One thing is for sure, – we have a great and strong community built on openness, kindness and support.
Civic Day Celebration
So first off, a big thanks to all the folk that helped with the organisation of the Civic Day Celebration and picnic and to our generous donors for their contributions to the prize draw.
MC of the games, Barb Millar, almost lost her voice with the lengthiest egg toss ever, – won by a teen duo (please let us know your names so we can insert them here). Their athleticism won out their competition whose egg landed unerringly on cushy patches of moss until the deciding throw.
The O’Dwyers fishpond had a lineup as long as a queue for luggage at Pearson with one difference, – “catches” were dispensed timely and efficiently. With hotdogs and enough irresistible sugary treats to fill a confectionary shop, – many over indulged and gave thanks that we do this just once a year. Chief (President) Bill Reid presided over the AGM announcing a change of guard with Adele Freeman stepping down from lake steward and Brooke Millar taking on the role. A huge thanks Adele for her contribution to the association.
Fishing Derby
At the fishing derby our diehard adult fishermen were beat by this year’s overall champion Henry Mouck in the children 10 and under, – landing the largest fish of the day, – a 4.5 lb largemouth bass. Second in the same category was Nova Lichtenberger and third William Bernardo. Honary mention for Carter Vreeker aged 4 who landed a 14 inch smallmouth bass. Rhianon Bernardo won the 11 to 18 category. Warren Bernard, winner of the adult category with a 19 inch smallmouth bass, – taught us a handy trick, – have your picture taken holding your catch out in front of you at full arm’s length, – and then it will appear larger than Henry’s catch.
Next time we suggest popping it on a selfie stick for greater effect. Hannah Miller was second in the adult category. Thanks to Barry Noble for officiating and weighing the catches.
Canada Day
The Canada Day boat parade was a dizzy affair with the procession going in reverse to previous years. With the addition of some energetic paddlers, we had a record number of vessels in the parade. The fireworks display was delayed due to a fire ban and held on the Sunday of Civic weekend. Good weather, no mozzies and a party boat with dancing crew and loud music made it especially fun and festive. Thanks to Dwight Finlay, Bill Reid and Mike Homewood, with technical advice from Trisha Lichtenberger, for putting it on.
Golf Tournament
Mike Homewood hosted the Methuen Lake Open Golf Tournament at Marvel Rapids Golf Course and then trophy presentation, prizes and lunch at his cottage. Results are pending, – we guess as family team rivalries make for lengthy adjudication.
Sailing
There were roughly 20 vessels in the sailing competition. For those non sailors watching, – we could identify 3 categories, – sailing boats, boats with a sail and bathtubs with a sheet. Some were nippy and others floundered as if they had dropped anchor. We will pop the results on the website when we get them.
Book Club
The bookclub had a very healthy turnout this year hosted and led by Martha Asselin. They tackled books about climate and the environment. Martha will let us know titles to read over the winter for the first meeting in May next year if mother nature allows for an early opening of cottages.
Walk / Run
14 year old Evan Sambrook set a new course record and took the overall win in the fun run/walk. Stacey Deadlow broke her own record in the women’s open category. Masters wins for Matthew Sambrook and Meaghan King rounded out the award winners. The awards, – bragging rights, – this is low budget affair. Entertainment for the youngest members of the race came in the form of a dancing Tesla.
Corn Roast
Frog legs were not on the menu this year at the Corn Roast but for those that missed them, – there was a smorgasbord of delights that could have fed twice the number of attendees. Barb and Jim Millar churned out delicious corn to the beat of the one-man band, – who didn’t sing a Taylor Swift number much to the disconcertion of the youngsters. He promises to do at least one next year. With additional requests for Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones we are keen to see if he has the vocal range to deliver. Thanks again to our gracious hosts the Bernardo’s for enduring the onslaught.
