J UNE Presidents Corner. Editor s Note: Want to advertise in the. newsletter? Contact me for information. Thanks, Todd

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1 J UNE JOHNSON S ISLAND NEWS Yo u r i s l a n d c o n n e c t i o n INSIDE THIS ISSUE June Minutes Potluck Dinner Kayak Poker Run Calendar of Events Memorial Day Parade Road Commission Fishing Tournament Bits & Pieces Presidents Corner 3& Editor s Note: Know of any Newsletter or delivery problems? Let me know at toddkroehle@ kw.com Want to advertise in the newsletter? Contact me for information. Thanks, Todd The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful day today. So said Dianne Rozak, president of Danbury Township Board of Trustees at the opening ceremonies of the Memorial Day services at our cemetery, and so said all of us on Johnson s Island Memorial weekend. The light northwest winds of early morning on Sunday laid down nicely by midday and the Island overflowed with activity. Indeed the statement that sometimes you can t see the forest for the trees proved true for Johnson s Island on that Sunday. Our small island community is coming to realize that we are moving to center stage of village activity and events marking the beginnings of the summer season. Last year we almost lost our Memorial Day services at the cemetery. As is often true of activities, if someone doesn t come forward and say I ll help it doesn t get done. So many thanks to Ron Doll and family for their years of service over the past Memorial Days and presently to Alex and Jane Lagusch, for their current efforts. This year the opening speech by Jacqueline Bird, mayor of Marblehead, the services provided by the Masons, the reenactors, and Taps played by a Danbury High School student provided the setting for our memorial services. Thanks to all who attended and participated. Our services at the cemetery drew not only from our Island and local village, but a much wider audience from around our area as visitors asked, Where s the cemetery? What a parade! One of the largest we ve ever seen here on the rock. There were tractors, classic vehicles, golf carts, Marblehead s fire truck, bicyclists, and candy. Together they provided the kick off to our Memorial Day celebration and our Island summer season. Another event often clouded by the trees on our Island is the use of the clubhouse. I know, it s old, needs repair and in not used by everyone, but look what happened at our clubhouse on Memorial Day Sunday. First, the Masons used our facilities for their reverent services and provided a free lunch to all those who wished to partake. They ran out of food and are planning larger for next year. Second, fellowship and new acquaintances take place every time we meet together in that 1960 s structure. I know everyone cannot attend all events, you re not expected to but come when you can and enjoy. Third, money was raised for Nick Shortridge via donations to the Marblehead Bank account set up in his name. Even the Masons and guests contributed handsomely. Fourth, the

2 Johns on s Isl an d Ne ws Pa ge 2 Johnson s Island Boutique was open for business. And fifth, once again the clubhouse served as the central forum for governance on our Island. Voting on the proposed changes to our code of regulations passed nicely by a vote of 154 yes to 9 no, as confirmed by the accounting group of Tighe, McConahay, & Tighe. You don t get this stuff just anywhere on our Island, only at the clubhouse. And so to all residents of our Island community come and join us. On a more concerning note, the Board of Trustees has received notice from a local law firm representing discontented Islanders. The letter does not name any specific Islanders and only refers to them as clients. We will keep you informed as more information comes forth; basically they demand to only be billed for, trash, electricity, and insurance because they feel they are not under JIPOA code of regulations now or at any time in the future. At the moment they are encouraging others to join their group to resist our property owners association and threatening court action if we do not negotiate a settlement for lower dues. Much of the argument appears to focus on the overwhelmingly approved new code and it s mandate for proportionate dues. There are always folks who want to get a better deal. It should be noted that there is a court order signed by Judge Kurfess mandating that JIPOA exist to enforce the Operating Agreement governing our private Island roads that applies to every islander. We believe it is prudent and consistent to notify all Islanders and prospective buyers of our properties that JIPOA exists to discuss and approve or disapprove road commission budgets along with providing other basic services. The needed step of recording our codes creates the necessary level of transparency demanded by Islanders and appears to be the excuse some are using to fight having to pay their share. We do not take the above actions lightly and will respond with deliberate caution. Neither will I end on such a down note. And so, may you and all your family and guests enjoy the Island with safety and relaxation this coming summer. Island regards, Bruce POTLUCK DINNER Over 60 islanders arrived at the clubhouse on June 6th with their potluck donation in hand. Magically, those single donations turned into one fabulous feast! Everything from appetizers to salads to dinners to desserts were brought in to share with neighbors. (Wasn't that peanut butter fudge amazing?) Good people, good food, good conversation...what more could you ask for? After dinner a cornhole competition was held, followed by a bonfire (actually it was a campfire) complete with s'mores and cupcakes and LOTS of beverages. Thanks to everyone who participated! Below is one of the most requested recipe thanks to Donna Mohler! BACON CHIVE CORNBREAD 1 (1-pound) package bacon 1 large sweet onion, chopped 2 1/2 cups self-rising yellow cornmeal mix 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Crumble and set aside, reserving grease. Place skillet in oven to heat. In a separate small skillet, cook onion over medium-high heat until onion begins to brown. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal mix, flour, and sugar. In a small bowl combine buttermilk and eggs. Add to cornmeal mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir bacon, onion, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper; mix well. Pour better over reserved bacon grease in preheated skillet. Return to oven, and bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

3 Johns on s Isl an d Ne ws Pa ge 3 Yo u r Tr u s t e e s H a r d a t Wo r k : J u n e 5, M e e t i n g M i n u t e s TRUSTEES PRESENT: Mike Kelty, Gary Zdolshek, Tom Kowalski, Todd Kroehle, Jack McIver, Jim Krueger, Dave Klugman, Bruce Libey, Jerry Thompson, Andrew Ebner, and Jackie Cardinale. Jack Bush was present as a guest. Bruce called the meeting to order at about 7:06 pm. Mike made the motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting, Jack seconded, all aye. TREASURER S REPORT: Andrew submitted his report on the current financial position of JIPOA. The general fund has a balance of approximately $93,000. The number of Property Owners with past due amounts is down to about 19. JIPOA will continue to attempt to collect the outstanding balances and proceed with the collection process if necessary. DUMPSTERS: Mark Shortridge cleaned up the overflowed roll off and will be contracted for in the future when the area needs work. Currently, large SUV or truck tires have been dumped at the site and plans need to be made for their removal. Extra collections will be scheduled for before and after the July 4 th weekend to, hopefully, avoid another overflow. It was suggested that Mike Nawalaniec, who has offered to help with gate security, be asked to look at the dumpster area as well. ROAD COMMISSION: Tom reported the gate receipts at $ through June 3, Mike Nawalaniec, who has experience with surveillance systems, has offered to help in updating the camera equipment at the gate. Rick Schultz is obtaining quotes for the road areas that were identified as needing patching. Dave reported that the engineering study has been completed and the RC is currently studying the results towards the goal of developing a 7 to 10 year working budget and plan for fixing and maintaining the island s roads. The next Road Commission meeting is at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 8th at the Clubhouse. BUILDING AND GROUNDS: Doesn t the Clubhouse look great! The painting is almost done and came in under budget. The extra funds will be used to paint the inside of the porch which was not in the original estimate. Repairs will also be made to the beams supporting the porch to remove and arrest the rotting that has occurred. Repairs this year, initiated by Jack Bush and followed up by Jack McIver, have made very necessary improvements which will significantly preserve and extend the life of the structure long time. COMMUNICATIONS: Todd observed Send my your pictures, articles, news, and ads for the newsletter!! He also mentioned that anyone wanting to be on either the broadcast list and/or the postal mail newsletter list should contact him at toddkroehle@kw.com. Andrew suggested that mailing costs for the newsletter and invoices could be reduced by going to an format for those who would make the choice to receive these electronically. It was agreed and this will be implemented as the mailing list is refined. It was also noted that elimination of postal mail delivery is not under consideration now or in the foreseeable future. SOCIAL: Jackie is planning a Kayak poker run for Saturday, July 11. Please see the announcement in this newsletter for details. Jim Krueger is working on plans for JIPOA to hold a wine tasting party this September 5 at the Clubhouse. Details will be worked out concerning the necessary

4 Johns on s Isl an d Ne ws Pa ge 4 arrangements for permits, timing, security, liability, entertainment, servers, costs, prize donations, food, and other considerations. It is anticipated that the general public will also be invited. Details to follow. Tickets will be available early and during the summer to allow enough time to build attendance. A portion of the profit for this event will be donated to the Nick Shortridge fund at Marblehead Bank. ALL HANDS ON DECK FOR THE LEGAL: The Trustees unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the code of regulations that was approved at the May 24 association vote. NEW BUSINESS: The terms of Trustees Bruce Libey, Mike Kelty, Jackie Cardinale, and Jack McIver over as of this year. Bruce has indicated he will run again, Jack and Mike will not, and Jackie is undecided. A nominating committee will be assembled soon, but anyone wishing to run for a Trustee position is encouraged to get involved by contacting any one of the Trustees. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 pm. The next meeting will be held on Friday, July 10 at 7:00 pm at the JIPOA Clubhouse. All JIPOA Property Owners are invited to attend. Respectfully submitted, IMPORTANT ROAD COMMISSION UPDATE: Todd Kroehle, Secretary Dave Klugman have provided a thorough and important summary of the current and planned repairs for our roads as well as comments on the the engineering study that was just completed. You can view this summary and the detailed information at the Road Commission s website, Please take time to view this material as it affects all Islanders equally. JOHNSON S ISLAND KAYAK POKER RUN! JULY 11, 9:00 AM To enter: Bring your kayak and a $20 entrance fee. Meet at Lou & Jackie's beach, 3008 Memorial Shwy. at 9 AM SHARP on Saturday, July 11, Upon departure, each participant will select (1) card from a deck of cards. You will then paddle around Johnson's Island at your own pace (this is not a race) where you will stop at randomly-selected docks. At each stop you will be given an opportunity to select another card to add to your poker hand. When you arrive back at Cardinale's beach, a certified "Poker Judge" will determine the winning hand. WINNER TAKES ALL SO ENCOURAGE YOUR NEIGHBORS TO ENTER TOO! BEG, BORROW, OR BUY A KAYAK! This is a once in a lifetime event! No experience necessary! No skill required! Just luck, endurance, and a desire to win! *Anyone sitting on their dock that morning is asked to encourage the participants!

5 Johns on s Isl an d Ne ws Pa ge 5 Johnson's Island Calendar of Events for 2009 July 10 Trustee Meeting 7:00 PM JIPOA Clubhouse July 11 Kayak Poker Run 9:00 AM JIPOA Clubhouse August 1 Dog Days of Summer Picnic 4:00 PM JIPOA Clubhouse August 8 Road Commission Meeting 9:00 AM JIPOA Clubhouse August 7 Trustee Meeting 7:00 PM JIPOA Clubhouse Sept 4 Trustee Meeting 7:00 PM JIPOA Clubhouse Sept 5 Wine Tasting Party 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM JIPOA Clubhouse Sept 25 Trustee Meeting 7:00 PM JIPOA Clubhouse Sept 27 JIPOA Annual Meeting 11:00 AM JIPOA Clubhouse ALL JIPOA PROPERTY OWNERS IN GOOD STANDING ARE INVITED TO ATTEND MEETINGS. ONLY THOSE PROPERTY OWNERS IN GOOD STANDING ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE JOHNSON'S ISLAND MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Memorial Day, 2009, was a beautiful day to be on Johnson's Island in memory of our Fallen Heroes. The floats, cars, golf carts, bicycles, strollers and islanders were all decked out in their Memorial Day finest. This kickoff to summer had absolutely the best weather and also the best audience participation EVER! While candy and beads were being thrown in every direction, it was agreed that the laughter and fun on everyone's faces will linger in our memories for as long as the memories of those who have served our country. Everyone who participated in the parade was a winner but the people listed below were singled out as being "exceptionally representative of Johnson s Islanders Patriotic Spirit". Military Vehicle - The Gale Family Float - Roger & Jeanne Scheman (again!) Golf Cart - Jack & Dorinne McIver Pet - Haley Rishe Tractor - Glen Weidling Car - Rick Schultz Bicycle - Margo Bush Patriot Award - Marblehead Fire Department Liberty Award - Ed Carey Special thanks to Norma Thoman and Andrew Ebner, who served as impartial judges. Thanks also to Alex & Jane Lagusch, Jim & Rita Flanagan, and Glenn & Janice Beachy who all served as Parade Marshalls. Great Job Everyone!

6 Johns on s Isl an d Ne ws Pa ge 6 ISLAND TREASURES: TONY and HELEN MULLER The first day of his retirement from TRW in Detroit Tony had scheduled a moving van to come to his house and begin the process of packing and taking up residence for Helen s and his permanent home on Johnson s Island. Since then the Mullers have been residents of our Island. Helen and Tony bought their first of two lots in 1963 from Helen s brother and neighbor on the Island Ed Manley for $1,750. They helped Helen s sister Margaret and her husband Walter Bruckner build their Island home a few doors down on Memorial Shoreway. There was no causeway at that time and everything had to be brought by boat across Sandusky Bay. In those days they had shallow wells, outdoor plumbing, and often cooked over open fires either outdoors or in the Bruckner s large fireplace. Tony s best memories centered around the small red shack which served as an Island getaway for years before they built their permanent home at 3206 Memorial Shoreway. The red shack still sits next to their home today as a reminder of when Tony, Helen, their two sons, Joe and Daniel and two daughters, Jeanne and Kathleen came to the Island for their weekend and summer vacations. It was a different time back then when probably no more than a dozen or so Islanders came to Johnson s Island by boats they had stored across the bay. They remember the early days on the Island when the roads were mostly mud and the Islanders walked to Father Kane s house for Sunday Mass. Helen remembers Father Kane asking one of the women to check on a pie he had in the oven during Mass. There were many get together in Islanders cottages. Hot dog roasts and picnics were held at the pavilion near Ron and Julia Doll s house on Confederate Drive. Tony served as a trustee for eight years from 1978 to Tony and Helen met at TRW where Helen was in inventory control and Tony worked in sales. Helen recalls Tony as rather juvenile and wondered if his mother knew he was out. They married June 30th, Their legacy includes 4 children, 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. In their photograph Helen is holding a picture of their grandson who works in the Pentagon, Washington D.C. Tony served in the army from 1941 to 1945 as a Second Lieutenant in charge of German POW s at Baton Rouge Louisiana. He graduated from St. Ignatius H.S. in Cleveland. Helen graduated from Garfield Hts. Helen enjoyed ice skating and ceramics while Tony played class C baseball in Cleveland, batting.430 and serving as captain of the team. At the age of 89 Tony still plays golf on Tuesdays with a group of Islanders and some friends from Marblehead. He shoots from the gold tees now, much to the chagrin of other golfers whom he competes with on a regular basis. The long ball isn t there any more but he still reaches the green in 2 or 3 on most days. Tuesday golfing gives Helen a break from having him under foot all the time and she can spend some quality time by herself. Both Helen and Tony will turn 90 this summer. Helen on July 5th and Tony on September 24th. A birthday party will be hosted at the clubhouse on Saturday July 4th beginning at 2 pm. It s really for family but Islanders are encouraged to drop by briefly with a birthday card and best wishes for these two Island Treasures.

7 Johns on s Isl an d Ne ws Pa ge 7 SECOND ANNUAL JOHNSON S ISLAND FISHING TOURNAMENT Congratulations to Team Nawalaniek for landing the winning total of 130 inches! Next up was the Bushleager with /16 inches. We all want to thank Jack Bush for organizing this fun event. And apparently, some fish somewhere are grateful too!! FISH 4, FISHERMEN 0 THE WINNERS!

8 THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT GO TO FOR RC UPDATES Bits & Pieces: GARAGE SALE: The Johnson's Island "All Island" Garage Sale is scheduled for Saturday July 18th between the hours of 9:00 AM. and 2:00 PM. The cost to participate is $10.00 which covers expenses such as the policeman, newspaper adds and misc. costs. Contact Pat Sharp at or Joan Sturgil at for more information and to register. We would like to know who is going to participate and we will collect the day of the garage sale. PS: We have made arrangements with the Road Commission to have the gate open during the garage sale time period and for a policeman to be present. CAUTION! The pedestrian traffic season is upon us. Please slow down on the island roads and watch out for our children. Also remember Marblehead Village s ordinances prohibiting operation of golf carts and ATVs by anyone without a driver s license. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NO WAKE! Did you know that Ohio boating law says that any area within 300 feet of a boat dock is a no wake zone? One islander noted that the Coast Guard has recently issued tickets for an $85 fine in the area. Please be mindful of your wake out of consideration for others and to avoid a fine!