Rhonda's Report

Rhonda's Report Correspondent for CCR events and happenings.

07/31/2026

Hello my people!
Thank you for following me for nigh on 4 years. Circumstances have changed and Rhonda’s Report will discontinue this week.

I encourage CCR members and those who are connected to CCR to follow the new page of “CCR Community & Happenings.“ This is a new page for positive photos, stories, and events.

If you haven’t received an invitation, search for it and ask to join! There are already over 70 members!

Thank you for your support and good will! Peace and happiness!

One of the best summer sounds of Canada Creek Ranch (except maybe for the loon calls that herald summer is coming) is th...
07/31/2026

One of the best summer sounds of Canada Creek Ranch (except maybe for the loon calls that herald summer is coming) is the sound of children splashing and laughing in Lake Geneva. Even as we enter the cusp of August, kids are jumping off rafts, chasing minnows, and building sandcastles at the beach. Their joy echoes around the lake, and the loons seem to even join their chorus at times.

This lake has been the main vacation fun spot for generations. Historically there was a huge slide back in the day that many fourth and fifth generations took their chances on, but now we follow safer regulations. After climbing metal steps precariously to the top, we would slide down its poles, slide down headfirst, or burn butts on the shining aluminum chute. Now the beach sports a new playground, new sand volleyball courts, and a mini raft for the littles.

It’s hard to say if the lake has risen due to recent heavy rainfall, though. Rivulets of water trickling down the trails have made trenches and created work for our road maintenance. They have graded and dropped sand mix repeatedly the past week. Water has run into basements, creating trouble for both residents and the Ranch House.

Volunteers are still needed to water young trees in the fruit orchard, the nursery, and the rye fields, though. Any amount of days is appreciated, and the task requires just a few hours. To be one of these watering heroes, contact Deb Vendlinski, and she will walk you through it. She is also heading an effort to replace bluebird houses out back. On August 29, all can get into the act at 10 am in the Bickley Room, including kids, by painting and customizing a new birdhouse for $25.

Hummingbirds continue their flights around brightly colored flowers and feeders. There have been plenty of them this year, and they like to hide in the oak leaves with nests. These shady spots protect them from the wind and rain. Hummingbirds usually come back to the same area year after year due to spatial memory, so go ahead and name yours.

The Hunter Safety course was a rousing success and developed new hunters from around the area. One of the best courses up north, coordinator, member, and instructor Jane Gordon said she was so impressed with the other instructors.

It’s ground bee season, so time to be safe about this also. True ground bees are usually docile though. The real enemies are ground yellow jackets and wasps, which will attack and sting multiple times. They typically swarm about their nests.

Don’t accept their invitation to any house swarming parties. Ground bees, however, usually hover over their nests in fewer numbers. So look for either two bees or not two bees. That is the question. Peace and happiness.

Monarch butterflies floating around the blossoming milkweed are abundant this time of year. It’s hard to believe we are ...
07/23/2026

Monarch butterflies floating around the blossoming milkweed are abundant this time of year. It’s hard to believe we are entering August soon. The smoke-filled days are gone, but they robbed us of a week of outdoor summertime. Unfortunately, Canada and northern Minnesota still report wildfires, but our air quality is good at the Ranch.

Wine night at the Ranch was overflowing with attendance. The Greek décor, Greek wines, and a spread of Mediterranean appetizers and sweets made by those attending were amazing. It was very interesting to hear our own sommelier, Lindsay Miller, describe the Grecian process of growing grapes so they naturally form into baskets. They train the vines to grow low into “kouloura,” a weaving of the vines, so the windy weather does not knock down tender sprouts. Varietals ranged from very honey sweet to dry whites with volcanic minerality.

The campground’s pork bash on the 11th was delicious, with a pie auction that drew generous bids from those attending. Ranch House Grille continues with summer hours, and has started Prime Rib Thursdays, selling out from the awesome response.

Co****le continues on Friday nights at 7 p.m. on the Ranch House lawn, even playing through the tail end of the smoky atmosphere. Last week’s winners were “Huntin’ Buddies” in first, “Not Me” in second, and “SOS” in third place.

The Hunter’s Safety course is still taking place on July 28-30. Sign up at the Ranch House for this stellar program. The Montmorency County Fair has 4-H livestock and items, and the bump ‘n run and demolition derby are on Saturday, July 25.

Volunteers continue to work hard here, watering new trees out back and becoming part of a CCERT team to respond to fires. This team has set up emergency “go bags," and has trained to direct emergency vehicles. Both areas are still taking volunteers, so call Deb Vendlinski or Bill Van Tiem, respectively.

Amazing photos of the little loon family are online courtesy of Sherry Weber. The loons decided to nest on the island in the middle of Lake Geneva, because there were too many black flies on the lake. One hatchling made it, and mama loon has been teaching it how to fish lately. It seems to get tired out though, insisting on riding mama’s back on the way home to the nest.

Members should acquaint themselves with prospective board members so they can place an educated vote in the upcoming proxies. These hopeful candidates have often published their contact information, so if you need more than what’s in the newsletter or online, make sure to call or meet them.

Keep your plants watered, even though we’ve had some rain. They are heading into their last breath of summer. Some members also have lovely Boston ferns, though how the deer stay away from them is a mystery. Maybe someone could post advice on this? I’m asking for a frond. Perhaps you have a particular root-ine of plant care. Peace and happiness.

Eerie days this week as we suffered through the yellow, hazy smoke coming from Canadian wildfires. Our ranch’s blue lake...
07/17/2026

Eerie days this week as we suffered through the yellow, hazy smoke coming from Canadian wildfires. Our ranch’s blue lake scenery was so blanketed members could not see across to the other side. Health warnings abound. Those who are working outside are digging masks out to prevent breathing in the ash. Our air quality index hit highs in the 500s, and the Upper Peninsula’s high reached in the thousands. Drifting downstate, the smoke stuck in Detroit, making it the worst state in the union for air quality pollution.

We are looking toward some rain to help clear the air. Prayers and rain dances should be on everyone’s minds. The fires are also coming from Minnesota. Imagine the horrific events they and Canadians are experiencing. All this follows on the heels of Colorado fires, as they subside after weeks of firefighting.

We also did without electricity when a substation blew north of us on M-33. The entire Ranch was out for most of July 15. It took a joint effort from Wolverine Electric and PIE&G to restore service. Cell service also was spotty, and calling through wifi requires electricity. Those with generators heard the hums kick on or plugged them in.

Staying in requires some patience. Remember Ranch House amenities during this time. The library with books and puzzles, the air-conditioned game room, and the Ranch House Grille can all offer respite during the unhealthy air quality outside. Beach activity should be minimized, as the smoke contains ash particulates that are evident landing on cars and outdoor furniture.

Card playing is a good way to spend some time at the Ranch House. Pinochle is played on Monday at 12:30, bridge is played on Tuesday at 1 p.m., and Men’s Poker is played on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Indoor exercise can still be had with Tai Chi on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m., and fitness classes on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

In looking forward to when the smoke clears, literally, the shot gun range will be open on weekends. For $7 shooters can break clays from 10 am to 2 pm. Shotgun shells will also be available for sale. A Hunter’s Safety course is being offered at the Ranch on July 22. Contact the front desk for more information.

In Friday, July 10th co****le, the Side Pieces took first place, with Better Halves and Baggin’ Bros coming in second and third. The CCR Book Club met on Tuesday, July 14, and discussed “Yesteryear,” giving it 4 stars. The next read is ‘The Calamity Club” by Kathryn Stockett, author of “The Help.” The next meeting is August 11 at 7 p.m., or members can Zoom in.

Nine out of ten wildfires are caused by people. If you can’t stick your hand on your campfire, it’s too hot to leave. Did you know that Smokey the Bear’s middle name is not really “the”? For more info on this national treasure, visit smokeybear.com. He even has a page. Peace and happiness.

Bears, elk, and fawns are all active on the Ranch this time of season and can be seen not only out back, but also crossi...
07/09/2026

Bears, elk, and fawns are all active on the Ranch this time of season and can be seen not only out back, but also crossing M-33. A mother bear was recently seen with three baby cubs trotting out of CCR property and across the highway, so keep a watchful eye, especially at sunrise and dusk.

There are some beautiful sunsets out back, especially at rye fields when looking for grazing elk. Many vacationers took advantage of that while here for the holidays. Remember - don’t drive on the actual fields, though, and respect the food plots.

Kayakers have found Canada Creek itself clear of debris, from Doty Trail park to Horsehead Lake. A member reported that one of the beaver dams was cleared away, probably due to abandonment.

Fishing on the lakes has also been enjoyed for both young and old. Kids are left to cast off docks and recently a few could be heard singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” from a jon boat in the middle of Geneva (with life jackets on).

Please remember that boats at Tibbit’s Landing should be tied and launched at the dock and not at the beach area. Kayaks can be launched from the beach. Signage is at the landing regarding this.

The Beach Bash was a huge success, with all the games, food, bake and book sales. Members watched joyful kids jump off rafts, sang the national anthem with the vets, and topped off the night with listening to a fabulous concert by The Ride.

Veterans represented all branches of the armed forces — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard — as they marched down Fawn hill and then lowered the flag. Doug Vincent ended the ceremony with Taps on his trumpet.

Volunteers also organized rifle range and 3-D archery shoots, pickleball tournament, corn hole competition, and strawberry shortcake fest. First and second place in co****le were M***a Shuckers and Beachcombers, respectively. In the recreational division, the Bang Bros and Duck Hunters took first and second prizes.

We have a baby loon! Produced by our Lake Geneva pair, who ended up nesting on the island due to black flies on the lake, the little one can be seen floating on the back of its mama.

The Ranch House Grille experienced great crowds over the holiday. Summer hours continue with evening hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8, Saturday all day, and Sunday brunch until noon.

A special Wine Tasting event sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary, will take place on July 21 at 7 pm in the Bickley room. The theme is Greek wines and food, with the wine supplied. Participants should bring a Greek potluck dish, and entry is $10.

And not to be in pour taste, but join us in our wine-derlust as we travel to the other side of the word to wined down. Remember to only drink wine on special occasions, though, like Tuesday, or Wednesday, or Thursday! Peace and happiness!

Summertime fun at Canada Creek Ranch includes jumping off the floating rafts, kayaking off Tibbits landing, and racing d...
07/03/2026

Summertime fun at Canada Creek Ranch includes jumping off the floating rafts, kayaking off Tibbits landing, and racing down the sandhill. For over five generations, families have enjoyed their summers here, which includes a lot of kids.

That being said, members and guests are slowing down to accommodate the occasional child (or adult for that matter) who may suddenly appear in front of them. Anyone on an electric scooter, bike, or golf cart must adhere to the speed limit, too. Generally, that is 20 mph, but around the beach area, in the campground, and around the ranch house it reduces to 10.

Slowing down and recognizing wildlife is also at play here. Fawns are abundant this year, and have no clue about right of way, which by the way, they have. You may think they are going one way, and then their wobbly legs zag another. And that rock in the middle of the road may be a turtle. Get out of your vehicle and move it safely out of the way. There have been more than a few mother turtles squashed, along with the eggs they were carrying. Remember not only to look around, but also down at the ground.

Loons may be nesting on the island in Lake Geneva, so make sure to steer clear of it and the surrounding buoys. An occasional turkey can still be seen in the woods. Ticks are still an issue, so check your dogs and kids before going into the house.

In order to fortify some feed plot funds, the Conservation Committee has placed three wagons in locations around the ranch for members and guests to put their deposit cans and bottles. You can find them in front of the Ranch House, the campground area, and at the south gate.

Paula Rivard reports that the beehives are humming along in the fields, and they have added two more hives, which prevent the bees from swarming. They survived a very long and snowy winter! Hopefully soon CCR honey will be available for us to taste!

The campground is filling up. They are planning the annual Pork Bash on July 11, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the campground pavilion. It’s $12 a plate for adults and $6 a plate for kids 12 and under. In addition, the bash includes the annual pie auction.

Our Ranch House Grille is serving up some amazing food this summer with delicious breakfasts and homemade entrees. You can enjoy the view of Lake Geneva while tasting delectable food, from eggs benedict Florentine to firecracker shrimp appetizer. And you cannot beat the friendly, prompt service.

So if you are “up north” this summer, partake in all the beauty and services our Ranch has to offer. Take care of yourselves; avoid catching summer colds by catching them in the winter. Wear your sunscreen so the fish don’t think you’re blushing at the lake’s bottom. And above all, peace and happiness.

Summer solstice has come and gone, but we still have some long, warm days ahead of us at Canada Creek Ranch. Included wi...
06/26/2026

Summer solstice has come and gone, but we still have some long, warm days ahead of us at Canada Creek Ranch. Included with that is our upcoming Beach Bash, with loads of activities the whole Fourth of July weekend. Committees are gearing up to offer lots of fun. Also, volunteers are still needed, so contact Kathy at the Ranch front desk.

First is the Blue Gill Derby for kids from 9:30 am to noon Friday, with registration at the beach. Additionally, Friday is the Recreation Committee's Strawberry Shortcake Festival, from 3 to 5 pm.

The Recreation Committee sponsors co****le games on Fridays. On July 3 they will be held at the ballfield. The Ranch House Grille will offer a buffet that evening, and our historical committee will hold a sneak peek of the museum from 5 to 7 pm. Also from 5 to 7 pm is a volleyball tournament at the beach for kids and adults.

Saturday morning of July 4 is busy, with a 5k fun run/walk at 8 am starting at the rifle range. Then the Ladies Auxiliary sponsors a bake sale at the beach at 8 am until sold out. The library will have the annual book sale from 8 to 11 am. For one dollar, you can buy a bag of books. The whole DVD library is also being sold, so come get some great movies for the cabin.

From 9 to 11 am is the family sand sculpting contest. On Saturday, only members can park at the beach. Shuttle service originating at the Ranch House is available. S***t and trap shooting will take place at the rifle range from 10 am to 2 pm. Hayrides are scheduled to run from 1 to 4 pm.

The Bike Parade registration is at 11:30 a.m. at the basketball court, then starts at 11:45. Beach Bash games start at noon and include sack races, a chicken toss, and water games. Food truck cuisine and t-shirts will be on sale. A dodgeball game is planned at 3 p.m.

The Ranch House Grille will be open Saturday, with another sneak peek of the museum from 4 to 7 pm. Lowering of the beach flag with the veteran march is scheduled for 5 pm. And then the band "The Ride" will perform classic rock and country music at 7 pm!

Sunday offers a Pickleball tournament and a 3D archery shoot at 9 am. Also a Bob Ross painting class will be held at 9 am and 1 pm. S***t and trap shoot will run from 10 am to 2 pm at the rifle range. Brunch will be available at the Grille, and at 9 am will be another museum sneak peek.

So much is happening on this holiday weekend, when we also recognize our country’s 250th birthday! Like pickles, we should relish this important event. Even though the bread might get nervous when everyone starts toasting, let’s all celebrate anyway! Peace and happiness.

Dragonflies are skirting the waters at Canada Creek Ranch, at both the lakes and the creek. These flying wonders are an ...
06/19/2026

Dragonflies are skirting the waters at Canada Creek Ranch, at both the lakes and the creek. These flying wonders are an immense help in feeding on massive amounts of mosquitoes, and were helpful in mitigating the gnat population.

Also by the waters, if you walk around the lake, are wild irises in bloom. These are resilient and perennial, and apparently the deer do not munch on them like they do our domestic ones. There is not much you can plant that deer do not try out on their palate here.

All of our wild flora and fauna are in summertime mode, and we are gearing up for the July 4 Beach Bash. Volunteers are still needed for games for the kiddos, such as the potato sack race and egg toss. If you can volunteer, contact Kathy Geister at [email protected] or ccra.club/volunteer. Also, the library will hold its annual book sale from 8 am to 11 am that morning. Come and get your coffee and a bag of books for $1.

The Ladies Auxiliary has a bake sale at the same time that Saturday. Pies, brownies, cookies and more will be available, if you are not full from the Strawberry Shortcake Festival the day before on Friday, from 3 to 5 pm. Homemade biscuits, strawberries, and whipped or ice cream will tempt you for $5 per dish at the beach pavilion.

The Historical Committee is hosting a peek of the Historical Museum that weekend. Phase One will be available for viewing with photos and artifacts during the Grille hours. The committee has extended the donor tree if you want to memorialize your family with a donation.

A Pickleball tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 5 at 9 a.m. Register with [email protected] . Also don’t forget co****le is ongoing on Fridays at 7 p.m.

Some of you may have noticed something missing from the north entrance gate. Our sign “Canada Creek Ranch” was refurbished with the generous donation of Jim and Alice Abbe. Now the letters are made from aluminum to last for many years to come.

New board member candidates have been announced. They are Jason Ellis, Bill VanTiem, Allen Price, Michael Cramer, Keith Ivkovich, and Joe Moleski. Also seeking reelection are Dave Weber and Ross Trim, Sr. These positions are replacing Tim Chambers (who was interim) and Lindsay Miller.

Our Hunter Safety program, one of the best in our region, will be running on July 28-30. Registration is by July 22, and those under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are required to read the manual before class, provided by the front desk at registration. Remember our archery and rifle ranges are open, and an archery shoot is scheduled for July 5.

So beach you to the beach on July 4 weekend! I can’t decide which sandals to wear – I keep flip-floppin’. Anyway I will be sun-screening my calls, in case I don’t pick up. Peace and happiness!

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