A Fall Message to the Long Point Community
Dear Long Point Community,
As another summer at Long Point draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful year we have shared as a community.
Since becoming Chair of the Long Point Residents Association (LPRA) earlier this year, I can honestly say that it has been a privilege to serve our community. Giving back to a place that has meant so much to me and my family over the years has been both a responsibility and a source of great personal satisfaction.
Like so many of you, I have benefited from the commitment and generosity of those who came before us. The LPRA's past leaders, together with the many members who have volunteered their time over the years, have helped create the Long Point community that we enjoy today. Their efforts have established traditions, maintained our facilities and, most importantly, fostered the sense of friendship and community that makes the Point such a special place for all of us.
One of the things that has struck me particularly during my first year as Chair is just how much of what we enjoy at Long Point depends on people who are willing to step forward and help. That spirit of volunteerism is at the heart of our community, and I believe it is something we all have a responsibility to preserve and pass on to the next generation.
A Wonderful Summer at the Point
Once again, our summer calendar was filled with activities that brought neighbours together and created opportunities for families and friends to enjoy everything Long Point has to offer.
Our Annual Regatta, convened by Scott and Meredith Weldon, was a wonderful celebration of a Long Point tradition that has been celebrated for 80 years. We are grateful to Scott and Meredith for the time and energy they put into making this longstanding event such a success. We also thank the families who share their property each year for this great event. We couldn’t make it happen without your support.
The Annual Golf Tournament, organized by Will Wilkinson, Stephen Price and Adam Price, was another highlight. In addition to providing a great day of competition and camaraderie, the tournament raised an impressive $2,000 for A Place Called Home. Thank you to Will, Stephen and Adam for bringing the community together while also supporting such a worthwhile cause.
Our younger members were well represented through the Junior Tennis Program, led by Anna Shaw, providing an opportunity for our next generation of Long Pointers to learn, compete and, most importantly, have fun.
Our thanks also go to Janet Halliday, Jamie Noskiewicz and John Leeder for coordinating the Pickleball and Tennis Tournaments. These events have become an important part of our summer calendar and are a wonderful way to bring people together through friendly competition.
We would also like to thank Tim and Marsha Anavich for organizing bridge; Marilyn Aunger for coordinating the ladies' luncheon; Tim Anavich for leading golf; and Rosemary Tough for arranging yoga.
And, of course, we cannot forget the Labour Day Corn Roast, organized by Gary and Linda Crawford. It was another great opportunity for neighbours and families to gather and celebrate the end of another memorable summer at the Point.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers
While these events are the visible highlights of our summer, they represent only a small part of the volunteer effort that takes place throughout the season.
I want to offer a very special thank-you to the countless volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to Long Point each year. Whether you organized an event, coached a program, maintained our facilities, helped a neighbour or simply lent a hand when needed, your contributions matter.
In particular, we want to recognize Graham Tough, Thom Sloley and their crew of volunteers, who once again devoted countless hours throughout the summer to ensuring that our Centre Lands, brush pit and courts were managed and maintained for everyone to enjoy. Their work is often behind the scenes, but it is essential to the quality of our summer experience.
This year, our friends and fellow residents, Jeff and Diane Taylor, decided to leave Long Point. I want to thank both Jeff and Diane for their tireless efforts as volunteers in our community. We owe you both a debt of gratitude for all you contributed during your time on Long Point.
To everyone who volunteered this year, thank you. Your efforts are what make Long Point more than simply a place where we spend our summers. They are what make it a community.
An Invitation to Get Involved
As we look to the future, I hope more of our members will consider finding a way to contribute their time and ideas. There are many ways to help. You might assist with one of our events, become involved with our programs, help with the Centre Lands, or simply offer your time when an opportunity arises. No contribution is too small. Volunteering is also one of the best ways to meet your neighbours, build friendships and become even more connected to the community.
If you have an interest in helping out next summer, please feel free to contact me or any member of the Board. We would be delighted to hear from you and find a way for you to become involved.
Welcoming New Members
This past year has also been a year of transition as we welcomed several new members and families to the Point.
We are delighted to welcome Taunya Richardson Woods; Dawn Whittaker and Michael Kamps; Matt and Lauren Crawford; the family of Claudia and Lionel Doan; Anne and Dan Borchneck; David and Maureen Birchard; Andrew Birchard and Cathy Row; Paul and Beth Cross; and Don Snell and Leanne Skribe to our Long Point community.
We hope that each of you will quickly feel at home at the Point and enjoy all that our community has to offer. We look forward to getting to know you and seeing you become part of the many activities, traditions and friendships that make Long Point such a special place.
Remembering Members of Our Community
As we celebrate the year that has passed, we also want to acknowledge those members of our community whom we have lost. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of Betty Barrons, Judy Dent, Claudia Doan, Derek Lund and John Rodway.
Our thoughts are with their families and with all who knew them. Each was part of the fabric of our community, and their absence will be felt by many. They will be missed around the Point.
Thank You to the Board
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment to Long Point. The Board works throughout the year to ensure that the LPRA is managed prudently and responsibly while keeping its focus on maintaining and strengthening the community we all value so much. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it provides the foundation that allows Long Point to continue to thrive.
It has been a pleasure working with such a dedicated group of Board members during my first year as Chair, and I am grateful for their time, thoughtful counsel and willingness to serve our community.
I especially want to thank our past Chair, Chris Stamper. Chris, on behalf of all Long Point Residents, thank you for your tremendous leadership and tireless energy over the past three years.
I also want to recognize Linda Crawford, LPRA Board Secretary, and Sue Reid. Linda is integral to the effective functioning of the Board and has been very supportive in my transition to the role of Chair. This year, Sue Reid transitioned her responsibilities as Board Treasurer to Mark Beaumont. I want to thank Sue for her dedication and leadership over her many years in this important role.
A special thank-you also goes to Wendy Parke for her tremendous dedication to keeping our community informed through The Buzz. Her commitment to communicating what is happening around the Point helps keep us connected and ensures that we are all aware of the activities, news and opportunities within our community. It is another wonderful example of the volunteer spirit that makes Long Point such a special place.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the fall and winter months, I hope we can all take pride in what we have accomplished together this year.
We have inherited something very special from those who came before us. Our responsibility is to care for it, contribute to it and leave it just as strong—or stronger—for those who follow. I hope that all of us will continue to find ways to participate, volunteer and support one another. That is how we preserve the traditions and spirit that have made Long Point such a special place for generations of Long Point families.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this another wonderful summer at the Point. I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable fall and winter, and I look forward to seeing everyone back at Long Point next summer.
Warm regards,
David Barrons
Chair
Long Point Residents Association