The trustees gathered prior to Thanksgiving for the final meeting of the year, and were joined by the other Board members, a good representation of Committee Chairs and many CSA members. We reviewed the summer of 2011 which saw the refurbishing of the Woods and Michigan Courts, the initiation of a multi-year program to restore sand on the Crystal beach, the growing interest in ecology of the CSA, the spirited participation of children and teens at the Monday night dances, T-ball, soccer, tennis, the operetta, and activities away from the CSA. Adults also enjoyed many engaging discussion groups and forums, and a super big turnout for their operetta. We all agreed that under the leadership of Paul Poehlein and Ken Cox, and the able support of the staff and Committees that it was a very successful summer. We saw the CSA providing spiritual support and respite from the pressures and challenges that face us away from this little corner of the world.

The Board spent this day pursuing its mission to oversee the stewardship of the CSA. This responsibility encompasses over 3000 feet of beach front on Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, well over 10 acres of natural beauty of common property that is available for all members, and the many millions of dollars in cash and other physical assets such as the buildings, roads, tennis courts, and equipment. This stewardship, most importantly, requires preserving for the CSA’s one thousand plus members the spiritual and spirited foundation that has lasted for over one hundred years.

The Committees and associations, including the Pilgrim Fund, are the energy that drives all that we enjoy about the CSA. Without the tireless work of many enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated Committee Chairs, and the people that volunteer and are recruited, the Board would have little to consider. The committees are the life blood and it is important that each and every committee be in tune with the membership, seek out and recruit new members, encourage turnover, and challenge old and propose new approaches. Positive, incremental and creative change will keep the CSA strong and well prepared for the next generation.

The CSA is in good fiscal condition. There are major opportunities and challenges that will require good fortune and good planning. The ash boring beetle and other creatures will, most likely, affect our forest. Swimmer itch-say no more! We have noted demographic changes from more women working, and working in the private sector rather than education, to more seniors finding northern Michigan a nice place to spend six to twelve months. Many of these changes are beyond of our control. Yet, how we react will determine our future. If we approach this new world as it is, with an open mind and spirit of cooperation, the future is indeed bright for the CSA.

The summer of 2012 is fast approaching: stay connected at,

www.summerassembly.org.

Fred Lauerman, President

Watch this space for a message from the CSA’s new Board President!

There are many firsts on SummerAssembly.org this year.  There is more information than ever contained in these pages with more being prepared for publication.  Please interact with this site as it is designed  to be used.  It is not simply a source of static information but a great communication platform to connect us with each other, the Trustees, the Committees, and the Administration.  SummerAssembly.org is a year round, non stop resource for participating in our community.

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The Summer of 2008 was one to remember. The CSA was again in great form and for this I thank you all, our solid staff, and the leadership of Ken Cox. To put it simply, it felt like we came together for the right reasons – the Assembly Spirit is alive and well.

As turbulence works its way through our country’s credit system the CSA is not immune. The Board has approved a small increase in fees for 2009 based on a declining revenue trend and our expectations for 2009. Our Pilgrim and Endowment Funds market values have fallen on paper while the Pilgrim Fund continues to experience a multi-year decline in contributions. The Pilgrim Fund just meets its obligation to cover the religious and educational expenses of the Community. However, it has become apparent that we must strengthen its position and lead it to appropriate, sustainable growth. I ask that you seriously consider the essential nature of this tax deductible giving opportunity to our financial health and ongoing ability to fund our core activities.

The Secretary’s Page lays out for your consideration a proposed change to our by-laws.  The amendments add breadth to our democratic principles requiring a larger number of members present to establish a quorum, extend the notification period, and require a two-thirds majority to pass when a by-law change is put to a vote. The Board presents these changes to encourage greater membership involvement when addressing the fundamentals of our governance. I look forward to your participation.

Since my first November meeting as a prospective Board member in 2004 the CSA has identified the Frankfort Golf Course property as a consistent theme. Many actions and emotions have held the stage since that time. Now the property has become a family gathering place – purchased and improved for thoughtful development at the hands of a dedicated group of CSA members. Mr. William Beck has played an important role in this effort and he has kindly contributed another informative update that I have posted in the pages of the upcoming Assembly News. With this update we note a turning point with the winding down of the LLC that was organized to monitor the property and eventually initiate its purchase.

The Trustees have agreed to assemble an initial survey of CSA members to encourage the input of our ideas, experiences and intentions regarding the current state and future outlook of our community. A better understanding of what all members expect and experience will make our decisions making process much more meaningful.  As this project comes to fruition I trust that you will take the time to participate and bring the CSA Board of Trustees closer to the membership of the Assembly.

As Liv and Sam burrow in the snow outside today I cannot help but think about the gathering families and friends, the late afternoon swim, the sunsets, and the essential traditions that keep us, and our Assembly strong.  Along with these trying times come hope and determination.  I do know that we are truly blessed to have each other and a place such as this to come together.

Till we meet again – Joel Buzzell

The CSA Season of 2007 was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed a great deal of enthusiasm this year for the exceptional programs available and the increasing engagement of our volunteers. I was impressed with the high degree of energy and consideration we all employ to communicate, seek common ground, and make decisions on the many issues that weave our lives together. The staff was well chosen and well prepared to support the considerable schedule of creative programs that we all enjoyed.

Looking forward to 2008, the CSA schedule is yet another palette of opportunity. The Spiritual Life Committee is working hard to match the exceptional quality of this year’s Educator in Residence. Youth is preparing a creative slate to help our young people develop their

own sense of the Assembly Spirit. Our active committees are involved with integrating the community’s inputs and inspirations into the thoughtful framework in which the CSA thrives. The Board of Trustees is strong and working to maintain our community traditions while we continue on a path of testing our policies and administrative activities to best provide a firm foundation. Our efforts are now focused on compliance with applicable laws and tax policies, improving cooperation with compatible local organizations, enhancing our environmental stewardship and, of course, doing our best to foster the beauty that is the Assembly Spirit

Our neighbors on the property formerly know as the “Frankfort Golf Club” have completed measures beyond those required by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to contain the contamination now all too commonly found in Michigan’s agroindustrial legacy. Our friends are now poised to create both a complimentary cluster of homes and also a conservancy set-aside allowing a significant portion of the property to return to a natural state.

The Assembly only works when we participate. I encourage you to consider what brings you back to this place and the gifts that you carry with you. Get involved, set a good example, become active in a committee that suits your skills, find fellowship and trust in good works and rekindle your spirit beneath the birches.

- Joel Buzzell