APRIL/MAY 2026 NEWSLETTER
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Crockery Lake Association
Helpful Links:
Crockery Lake Website: www.crockerylake.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook/crockerylake
CLA BOARD AND ANNUAL MEETINGS
ANNUAL CROCKERY LAKE ASSOCIATION MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026 at 7:00pm
As we continue discussions regarding our proposed lake cleanup action plan, we
encourage all riparians to visit our website to review the amended proposal from
Restorative Lake Sciences.
There is also a summary prepared by our president comparing data collected from the
lake in 2024 and 2025, which shows a continued decline in water quality: Lake
Remediation Proposal and Summary.
In an effort to keep our riparians informed and help everyone better understand the
proposed remediation process, we are excited to announce a surprise keynote speaker
for this year’s meeting: Adam Reed.
Adam, along with his wife, Kristy, and daughter, Sedona, has been part of the
Crockery Lake community since September 2024, residing on the northeast side of the
lake. He teaches science in the Spring Lake School District, including 10th-grade Earth
Science and college-level Environmental Science.
Adam’s strength lies in translating complex scientific research and data into clear,
engaging information for audiences encountering these topics for the first time. He is
deeply committed to the health of the ecosystem we all share—the Grand River
Watershed—and brings both knowledge and passion to this important conversation.
Please join us as Adam presents the lake remediation plan in a way that is
understandable, informative, and meaningful for all of our riparians.
All of the CLA Board Meetings unless otherwise posted will be 7 pm at:
Chester Township Hall and Offices
3509 Sehler St.
Conklin, MI 49403.
Dates of meetings:
May 20, 2026 - This will be the Annual Meeting for all Crockery Lake Association
Members and friends. We encourage everyone to attend to be informed. This is also a
good time to join by paying your dues and making donations to our 2027 fireworks
fund.
We will also be having annual elections for 3 directors and possibly adding a 4th
director. If you would like to be more involved please let your lake representative
know you are willing to serve on a 3 year term. Or email us at
June 17, 2026
July 15, 2026
August 29, 2026
September 16, 2026
If needed, October 16,2026
You do not need to be a member to attend our meetings, and we warmly encourage
all riparians to participate and become involved. Each year, we discuss issues that are
important to the health and well-being of Crockery Lake and the surrounding
community.
This is your home and your lake. Please be part of the conversation.
While only association members are eligible to vote on official matters, everyone is
welcome to attend the meetings, listen, learn, and share in the discussion.
2026 DUES
Annual dues are $40 to be a member of the Association.
The yearly fireworks display for July 3 is completely supported by any donations given
above the dues cost.
Visit the website at https://www.crockerylake.org/ordinances for the benefits of
being a member.
We are offering five options to pay again this year:
1. Use the form at the end of the newsletter (you can print just the last page) to send
your check to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road, Casnovia, MI 49312.
2. Use BillPay through your bank website. Send to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores
Road, Casnovia, MI 49318
23. Paypal or VENMO links from our webpage: www.crockerylake.org
4. CLA directors will be stopping by with the newsletter and can collect dues and
fireworks donations.
5. Pay at any board meeting.
BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS
There are currently eight directors serving on the CLA Board. According to the Policy
Book, the Board may have up to nine directors.
The three-year terms currently ending this year, and open for re-election, are held by
Bill Marks, Dan Atwood, and Blake Williams. We are pleased to share that all three
have agreed to be nominated for another term.
In addition, we have a new nominee, Adam Reed, who will also be speaking at our
meeting. All four nominees are eligible to be elected.
We would also encourage anyone interested in serving the lake community to consider
submitting a nomination or throwing their name in the hat.
You will make a great board member if:
• You have an interest in learning about lake health
o Be a resource for your neighbors on water quality projects, erosion
control, weed treatments, lake-scaping and more!
• You want to take a positive, active role in making decisions that affect our lake
• You have current concerns for the lake and have ideas how to fix them
o Make a positive difference to help solve lake problems.
Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month from March through September.
Interested? Contact any board member. Or email crockerylakeassociation@gmail.com
Phone numbers at the end of the newsletter.
2026 FIREWORKS – JULY 3, 2026
We needed a grand total of $7,000 to duplicate last year’s fireworks and we did it!
Michigan Family Fireworks will be lighting them off again this year. Please remember
to add an extra donation for next year’s fireworks when you pay your dues. This is
your fireworks display so let’s all add to the enjoyment. Thank you to all those who
donated generously to our fireworks. Without your donations there would not be
a fireworks display.
FIREWORKS FUNDRAISER
Lesha Gustin and Nicole Bonter are offering
2026 Crockery Lake T-shirts again this year. A
special design to commemorate the 250th
birthday of our great USA. All profit from sales
will go toward the 2027 fireworks fund.
T-shirts sell for $20 each for sizes small to XL.
$25 for 2XL and larger.
To order call or text Lesha at 616-822-7139.
She takes cash and checks.
EXPRESSING SYMPATHY
Over the winter, our lake community has lost several dear friends:
Ron Pawloski passed away on December 15, 2025, and his wife, Geri, followed on
December 27, 2025. Ron grew up on Crockery Lake, and together Ron and Geri spent
every summer in their little green cottage on the north side. Their legacy continues,
as their grandchildren become the next generation of Pawloski’s to enjoy the lake.
On January 10, 2026, Tom Gustin passed away. Tom and Lesha have called Crockery
Lake home since 1985. Lesha grew up on the lake, they raised their daughter here,
and now their granddaughter represents the fifth generation to live on and love
Crockery Lake. We would frequently see Tom driving their red boat with Nicole in tow
performing stunning trick ski routines. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lesha,
their daughter Nicole and Andrew Bonter.
We also remember two former riparians who passed away over the winter. Our
sympathies go out to the families of Martha Fuhst and Mike Weller, both former south-
side residents of the lake.
WELCOME NEW RIPARIANS
A heartfelt welcome to Gene and Jacki Bolton. Gene and Jacki are not strangers to
Crockery Lake. They farmed the land around the lake and formerly lived on 16th
Avenue. They always wanted to live on water and when the Elliott’s decided to
downsize the Bolton’s jumped to make the move when they retired. They moved in
October of 2025. Welcome to the lake, new friends.
We are also excited to welcome Johnathan and Skylar Otterbein and their new baby
girl, Leah, to the north side with lake access. Johnathan is an engineer and Skylar is a
healthcare administrator. They are so excited to be on Crockery Lake and close to
Johnathan’s parents who also live on the north side. Congratulations on becoming a
new riparian!
DOCK ORDINANCE
Please read the ordinance before placing docks and boats in the water this year.
Follow this link: http://www.chester-twp.org/wp-content/uploads/
2019/02/2019-02-01-Lake-Regulation-Ordinance.pdf
The board will be reviewing the ordinance with the township this year. We welcome
your feedback. Contact any board member listed at the end of the newsletter or
email us at crockerylakeassociation@gmail.com . Respecting our neighbors makes for
great community!
2026 CHEMICAL TREATMENT DATES
May 4, 2026 - Spring survey
May 11, 2026 - Weed and Algae treatment, optional
June 8, 2026 - Weed and Algae treatment, optional
July 1, 2026 - Algae treatment, optional
July 15, 2026 - Weed and Algae treatment, optional
August 13, 2026 - Weed and Algae treatment, optional
~The treatment schedule is approximate. Please watch your shoreline for posting of
the 8.5x11 inch, yellow or green signs. The signs will indicate the date of the
treatment, the products used, and any restrictions on the use of treated water for
swimming, watering lawns, etc. The property owners in this area are planning to have
the waters chemically treated to control lake weeds and/or algae. This notice is being
circulated in accordance with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) procedures.
~On the day of treatment, signs will be posted along the shoreline within 100 feet
of treatment areas that indicate what products were used and specific water use
restrictions that apply.
5~The chemicals used for Aquatic Nuisance Control are registered by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The
potential for damage to fish and other non-target organisms is minimal provided that
the product is used as directed on the product label and the permit.
~The CLA Board of Directors would suggest using caution in using or being in the water
the day of treatment according to posted warnings.
A WALK IN GROSE PARK WITH JASON SHAMBLIN
There is a new opportunity being offered by Ottawa County
Parks called Leadership Perspectives Hiking Series. This series
of 9 different walks explores parks in Ottawa County and is lead
by parks director, Jason Shamblin.
Grose Park was the first in the series on Tuesday, May 5. Four of
our riparians including three board members, Chester Township
supervisor Troy Goodno, Chester Township Clerk Helen Dietrich,
and several from the parks department and a few visitors
totaled twelve walkers. Jason shared a lot of the history of the
park as well as a wonderful wildflower educational walk. Did you
know that Grose Park is the oldest park in Ottawa County? Did
you know we have one of the biggest Oak trees in any of the
parks? It took 6 of us to wrap our arms around the trunk of the
massive tree.
SPRING CLEANUP
We ask that all residents inspect their shoreline for debris and loose objects that
could be picked up by rising waters, the spring thaw, and eventual rain showers.
Organic material such as leaves, sticks, dog excrement, and other yard waste make
great fertilizer for the spring weeds and algae to flourish so those should be removed.
Timber, dock sections, and even children’s toys have been known to travel with the
rising waters. We ask for your help, not only to protect personal property, but to help
keep our outlet clear of items that could dam up the exiting waters. Thank you for
your help and consideration in keeping our lake clean.
It is also a good time to have your septic tank and drain field inspected. Unhealthy
drain fields and septic tanks are one of the causes of our lake pollution. Let’s all do
our part and keep our septics and drain fields healthy. This is a proactive way to help
save our lake, our well water, and our property values.
FERTILIZERS
There are state rules about fertilizing lawns and especially lawns near bodies of
water. But the best fertilizer you can use is the water that comes directly out of the
lake.
phosphorus_flyer_2-9-11_376295_7.pdf
ADVERTISERS
Advertising in this newsletter is FREE to Crockery Lake Association Members.
Advertising for business is $25/year. Inclusion of any advertisement in the CLA Newsletter does
not equate to an endorsement by the Crockery Lake Association.
CLA BOARD of DIRECTORS
President/Betsy Ludwick - betsylud@gmail.com
Position Expires:4/30/27 616.723.5704
Newsletter Editor, Website and Facebook page Administrator
Representing: 2392 Van Dyke - 2516 Van Dyke
VicePresident/DanAtwood - dan@atwoodforestproducts.com
Position Expires: 4/30/26 616.240.5670
Representing: 2833 - 2871 Crockery Shores, Kayce Lane, Crockery Woods
Treasurer/Greg Slater - greg.gsesllc@outlook.com
Position Expires: 4/30/28. 616.638.6930
Representing: 2221 Van Dyke - 2391 Van Dyke
Secretary/Paula Humphrey - paulah2700@gmail.com
Position Expires: 4/30/28. 616.498.0363
Representing: 2700 Van Dyke St - 2835 Van Dyke
Bob Blauwkamp - rblauwkamp@gmail.com
Position Expires: 4/30/27. 616.957.9007
Representing: 2332 - 2550 Crockery Shores, 24th Ave, Hoover
Blake Williams - Blake.a.williams@hotmail.com
Position Expires: 4/30/26. 774.836.7060
Representing: 2081 Van Dyke - 2211 Van Dyke
Bill Marks - williamjrix@gmail.com
Position Expires: 4/30/2026. 616.430.8372
Representing: 2563 Crockery Shores Road - 2798 Crockery Shores Road
Tyler Heitzman - tdheitzm@gmail.com
Position Expires: 4/30/27. 616.293.5029
Representing: 2519 Van Dyke - 2681 Van Dyke
CROCKERY LAKE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FORM
NAME _______________________________________________________________
LAKE ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________
MAILING ADDRESS _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
PHONE ________________________ CELL PHONE _________________________
E-MAIL _______________________________________________________________
INCLUDE ME IN THE CLA DIRECTORY yes [] no []
YEARLY DUES: $40 paid by ______________________Date ___________________
FIREWORKS DONATION: $______________ CANDLES _______ at $1.25
FUND-A-FISH DONATION: $_______________
LAKE CLEAN UP FUND: $_________________
Crockery Lake Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Dues are not tax deductible.
However, any other donations are tax deductible.
Please make your check to: CROCKERY LAKE ASSOCIATION
Send to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road, Casnovia, MI 49318
RETAIN A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS
____________________________________
DUES PAID $_______________ DATE __________________
CANDLES _______X $1.25 = _________________
FIREWORKS DONATION $_________________________
CHECK NUMBER _______________________