Volunteer Divers Remove More Garbage from Angle Lake

A group of volunteers gathered 22 bags of garbage from the lake bottom and area around the shoreline of Angle Lake on Saturday, September 24. The cleanup was organized by Your Scuba Store (YSS) and SeaTac Parks.

Nine divers and 11 land-based volunteers participated in the cleanup, which took place from the park south to Angle Lake Trail. Katherine, a YSS volunteer, noted that no drug paraphernalia was found in the litter. She also successfully recruited a few additional park visitors to assist with the cleanup.

SeaTac Parks Projects & Operations Manager Mike Fitzpatrick said he is "grateful for the assistance from YSS and volunteers who participated in this event. SeaTac Parks is prepared to support another event in the near future."

The divers who participated in the cleanup noted that there was still a lot of litter on the lake bottom. They are planning to organize another cleanup event in December or January. The volunteers are also considering registering Angle Lake as part of the Adopt the Blue program, which would bring additional awareness to the lake and the need for diver assistance with cleanup efforts.

Adopt the Blue is a program that encourages people to adopt a body of water and help to keep it clean. Participants in the program can volunteer to clean up litter, remove invasive species, and educate others about the importance of water conservation.

The volunteers who participated in the Angle Lake cleanup hope their efforts will help make the lake a cleaner and more enjoyable place for everyone.

About YSS

Your Scuba Store!! PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Center and PADI Boat ~ servicing Your Scuba Store needs in Hoodsport, WA, and Tacoma, WA. YSS Dive offers quality PADI Scuba Diving certifications, Discover Scuba Diving for beginners, guided tours for certified Divers, and scuba rentals. With over 30 years of combined experience, PADI Instructors John and Katherine Yackel have received over 5 straight years of Elite Instructor Awards and were featured in the 2020 First Quarter Undersea Journal in their Exceeding Expectations article. Whether you are a seasoned divemaster or looking to get into the sport, you will be welcomed at YSS Dive.  

Angle Lake Clean Up to Feature Scuba Divers

The City of SeaTac Parks Department is hosting a clean-up of Angle Lake on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature scuba divers from YSS Dive Shop in Tacoma, Washington, who will help remove trash from the bottom of the lake.

The clean-up is open to all volunteers, regardless of experience. SeaTac Parks Department will provide onshore volunteers with garbage bags, litter pickers, and gloves. Staff will provide the supplies at the park near the restroom/shelter plaza. “We are excited to partner with YSS Dive Shop to clean up Angle Lake,” said Mary Tuttle, Parks Director for the City of SeaTac. “This is a great opportunity for our community to come together to make a difference.”

Angle Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. However, it has also become a dumping ground for litter. The clean-up is an effort to remove this trash and make the lake a cleaner and more enjoyable place for everyone.

Regardless of whether you plan to partake in diving, wade through the shallow water, or walk the shoreline, we ask that you pre-register for the event so that the organizers can plan for the appropriate number of waters, snacks, and swag. Divers will also receive an entitlement coupon for one free tank refill of air. 

To register, please visit https://form.jotform.com/232325512018142.

About YSS Dive Shop

YSS Dive Shop is a full-service dive shop located in Tacoma, Washington. The shop offers a variety of services, including scuba diving lessons, equipment rentals, and guided dives.

About the City of SeaTac Parks Department

The City of SeaTac Parks Department is responsible for maintaining and operating the city’s parks, trails, and open spaces. The department also offers a variety of programs and activities for residents and visitors.

SEND IN THE CLOWNS!

CONFIRMED:

The Seafair Clowns will be stopping by Angle Lake Park on September 9th!

As reported recently by South King Media, the leading local, independent, family-run media outlet delivering award-winning hyperlocal news and events to our Southend community, announcing the Seattle Seafair Clowns are scheduled to arrive Saturday during the Frank Hansen Memorial Regatta outboard motorboat racing event. 

The Seattle Seafair Clowns will arrive at 1:00 p.m. to greet children and their family members, share laughs, and capture the fun and experience taking some great photos together. 

View the announcement as posted on the SeaTac Blog.

View the weekend race schedule posted on the Angle Lake Shore Club Blog.

Hydroplane Racing Returns to Angle Lake

Boat Racing Returns to Angle Lake on September 9th and 10th.

 

Seattle Outboard Association (SOA), an organization founded in 1929, is bringing back the American Power Boat Association (APBA) hydroplanes, runabouts, and tunnel boats to Angle Lake September 9th and 10th for the second annual Frank Hansen Memorial Regatta!

Angle Lake Park

19408 International Boulevard

SeaTac, WA 98188

Time: 10 AM to 4 PM

The weekend-long, free event will feature competitive racing of both hydroplane and runabout style boats from the Stock, Modified, Pro, and Junior categories. The event will also feature New Folks in Boats, an event for people to experience the thrill themselves! This driver training program introduces race enthusiasts to outboard racing offering a driving class from the experienced SOA racers, and hands-on exhibition runs in a race ready hydro. The New Folks in Boats participants will be spread out through the race schedule and will fill gaps between heats. Spectators have an opportunity to meet the racers, including up-and-coming stars of the future, and legendary drivers from the past. Access to the race pits is available to anyone wearing closed-toed shoes, after signing an insurance waiver.

The Saturday race schedule will conclude the seven-event series of the 300ss Hydroplane NW Tour. At

awards on Saturday evening, the Champion of this competitive event will be crowned. Currently the

points are in a close standing, and we will see the deciding heats during the day at Angle Lake.

Sunday will begin the day with a commemorative ceremony reflecting on the tragedies that occurred on

September 11, 2001. The day will also feature a full racing schedule and the presentation of a new award in honor of Frank Hansen and the Angle Lake Shore Club.

Portions of the East-West leg of the lake will be off limits for public access; however this restrictiction will not impact personal use of beach and dock properties. We'll have a couple of the ALSC Barges strung together to form a ‘log boom’ on the eastern straightaway allowing boats to anchor up to and spectators to assemble their tables and chairs from to watch the race action up close!

We happy to share that resident, Allan Freedman will again generously donate his time, expertise and equipment to enable low power FM transmission of the live tower announcements! Spectators and race enthusiasts from around the lake will be able to tune into FM 90.5 on Saturday and Sunday to hear all the race coverage broadcast from the tower!  

 

If you’d like to know about the boats, races and drivers, please download a courtesy copy of ‘Hydro Basics’ authored by John M. Adams. John built his first outboard hydroplane at age 16 and actively raced for over 20 years in Region 10 with the Seattle Outboard Association. He is currently a retired driver and helps as a crew member of Adams Racing.   

** Entry into the race pits is restricted to spectators who have signed a waiver and are wearing close toed footwear. 

The ALSC Newsletter is Here!

We're pleased to announce the Summer Edition of the Angle Lake Shore Club Newsletter is now available online!

Inside you'll find

• A letter from the President to our members
• An update from our Welcome Committee
• A recap of all the 4th of July activities
• A report on volunteers taking the deep dive into cleaning the lake
• ... and more!

You can access the newsletter via the following link: 

http://anglelakesc.com/blogdocs/2023Summer.pdf

Shout out to Donna Bennett for her part (part project manager; part copy editor; part publisher; mainly cat-herder!) and her effort in producing this newsletter. Thank you Donna!

Topless Party on Angle Lake?

no, No, NO! 
It's going to be a Tapas Party this weekend hosted by the Angle Lake Shore Club! Considered by many of our members to be the club's most popular event of the year! 

The Tasty Tapas Float Around is a 'progressive dinner party' in Angle Lake Style. This evening consists of four individually themed groups in various costumes traveling by way of pontoon boats to visit four unique hors d'oeuvres stations offering worldly-inspired tapas (or appetizers) and perfectly paired libations. When all stations have been seen, the four groups will collect to descend upon a fifth and final dessert station to complete the evening!   

If you have not yet signed up for the Tasty Tapas Float Around, our late summer lakeside main event, you must act now to reserve a spot. Otherwise, you may very well miss the boat, as seats are starting to fill quickly! The fun begins this Saturday, August 19th at 4 PM SHARP and runs until 8:00 PM. Open to ALSC Members Only and their invited guests. The cost to attend is just $30 per person.

Coincidently, we will offer the latest design T-Shirts for purchase to help ensure no one ends up topless! One shirt is $20, and two shirts are $30. This offer is limited to stock on hand.  

Attention Maui Fire Collection Volunteers and Donors

We are overwhelmed by the tremendous response to our Maui Fire Collection efforts! Over 50,000 pounds of material goods have been received, and we are grateful for the generosity of our community.

Collections will now be cut off early at 8:00 AM on Monday, August 14th. We now have enough volunteers who are committed to helping load the arriving semi for delivery to Commodity Forwarders, Inc.

Thank you again for your support! Your donations will help make a difference for those affected by the recent fires.

Please note:

• We are only accepting donations up until 8 AM Monday, August 14th.
• Donations of food, water, and other essential supplies are still needed and can be supported through monetary donations to: 
• Maui Strong Fund online at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
• American Red Cross online at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Together, we can help the Maui community recover from these devastating fires. 

Thank you for being so supportive!

Maui Fires: Please Donate to Help Those Affected

The recent wildfires on the island of Maui have been devastating. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and many have lost everything. The recovery effort will be long and difficult, but it is important to remember that the people of Maui are resilient. With your help, we can rebuild their communities and help them get back on their feet.

The May Family of Angle Lake are organizing an effort to collect gently used items for air shipment to assist in the Maui Fires recovery effort. Donations can be dropped off at Post #65, 4317 So. 188th Street. The front gate will remain open from 6:00 AM until 5:00 PM each day, until Tuesday, August 15th.

Sought After Items: Amazon Wishlist

• Since they have no power - solar powered items such as charges and lights. 
• Since they have no place to go - camping gear (tents, blankets, ect.) hammocks, pillows, ect. 
• Since they left everything behind - clothes, shoes, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, body wipes, ect. for all ages 
• For babies - diapers, clothes, swaddles, bottles, formula, ect.
• With no running water they also need filter straws, water bottles, ect.
• Any nonperishable food and supplements 
• Card and board games are also suggested as it will give people a welcomed distraction in the midst of chaos 

Volunteer Labor will also be needed for preparation of the first shipment scheduled to leave Tuesday night from Commodity Forwarders, Inc. to fly to Maui. If you are available to help, please arrive at the above address before 5PM to join a caravan to the CFI facilities to palletize donations for flight.

Looking for other ways to help?

• Donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund. This fund is a great way to ensure that your donation is used to help those who need it most. The Hawaii Community Foundation is a trusted organization with a long history of providing disaster relief. You can donate to the Maui Strong Fund online at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.
• Donate to the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is also on the ground in Maui providing disaster relief. You can donate to the Red Cross online at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• Spread the word. Share information about the Maui Fires and the recovery effort on social media and with your friends and family. The more people who know about the need for help, the more donations we can raise.

No matter how you choose to donate, your gift will make a difference. Thank you for your support of the Maui Fires recovery effort. Together we can make a difference! 

Have Questions? Email us at AngleLakeSC@gmail.com

Diving Deep for Great Scrub Down

SeaTac, WA (July 15, 2023) - A group of volunteer scuba divers from SeaTac and surrounding communities gathered at Angle Lake on Saturday for a cleanup effort that removed several bags of trash and debris from the lake's bottom. 

Rotem Yossef, an Angle Lake resident who has been diving for over 30 years, organized the diving event. Yossef said he was inspired to organize the cleanup after seeing the amount of trash that had accumulated on the lake's bottom. 

"I love Angle Lake, and I wanted to do something to show my appreciation for it," Yossef said. "I think it's important for people to realize that our waterways are not a dumping ground for trash."

The cleanup volunteers spent several hours diving in the lake at depths of over 35 feet, retrieving trash from the bottom. They found everything from plastic bottles and food wrappers to oars and swim masks. "It was amazing to see how much trash we were able to remove from the lake," Yossef said. "I'm so grateful to the volunteers who helped out.  

The 2023 Scrub Down, organized by the City of SeaTac, is just one of the many efforts to clean up Angle Lake. In prior years, the Angle Lake Shore Club held an annual Clean Sweep focusing on Angle Lake and the surrounding neighborhoods in July, while the City of SeaTac hosted their Scrub Down on Arbor Day each year. And in 2022, the Scrub Down was moved to July, providing ideal conditions to merge the ALSC Clean Sweep with the City-hosted Scrub Down event. Yossef seized the opportunity for collaboration by creating plans for a deep-water dive, recruiting local divers, and managing the dive operations. The remarkable success achieved in 2022 was surpassed by greater results in 2023 and promises to be even more significant in 2024! 

Fuzz Hill stated, "This is a wonderful example of local government, businesses, and volunteer organizations partnering to promote healthy Angle Lake Stewardship, dedicated to protecting and restoring the lake." Yossef said he hopes the SeaTac Scrub Down will inspire others to take action to protect Angle Lake. "This lake is a valuable resource for our community; we all need to do our part to keep it clean."

The SeaTac Scrub Down was a success, and the volunteers removed 90 bags of trash collected from several points around the City, including the lake. 

Pictures of the dive event can also be viewed HERE.

A Picture Perfect 4th of July at Angle Lake!

The Angle Lake Shore Club is pleased to announce that photos from its annual 4th of July celebration are now available in the online ALSC photo album.

And the Band Played On!

The celebration featured various events, including a run/walk around the lake, a parade, a paddle board poker tournament, a boat parade, and fireworks.

The run/walk around the lake is always popular to kick off the day's events, with over 40 participants. The parade was also well-attended, with floats, bands, and marching units featuring local residents and organizations.

The paddle board poker tournament, a new addition to the celebration last year, was a hit again with participants of all ages. The 'race' consisted of a 1-mile paddle to destinations around the 'elbow' of the lake, with participants stopping at five designated checkpoints to collect cards. The player with the best poker hand at the end of the race was declared the winner.

The boat parade was a colorful and festive event, with boats of all shapes and sizes decorated in red, white, and blue, including a giant flamingo being pulled by an Aqua Bike! The parade was followed by a stunning fireworks display over Angle Lake.

The Angle Lake Shore Club is grateful to all the volunteers who helped make the 4th of July celebration a success. The club also thanks the City of SeaTac for its support of the event.

The photos from the celebration are available for viewing on the ALSC website. To view the photos, go to the ALSC website and click on "ALSC Photo Album" listed under Additional Links.

The Angle Lake Shore Club hopes that you enjoyed the 4th of July celebration. The club looks forward to seeing you at one or more events next year!

Faster Than Cancer!

The local news outlet, South King Media reported speed legend and Angle Lake neighbor Steve Huff will be Grand Marshal for Saturday's Des Moines Waterland Parade.

Congratulations Steve Huff on receiving this prestigious recognition!
Learn more about Steve's accomplishments on the SeaTac Blog.

Celebrate with US!

You are cordially invited to attend and/or participate in our 4th of July neighborhood celebrations. 

CLICK THE MAP ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT

This year, the Bud Jones Walk/Run Race 'Round the Lake will start and finish at 19431 Military Road So. Race Runner registration begins, and Walkers will depart at 9:00 am. Runners will leave the start line at 9:30  am, with the award presentations at approximately 10:00 am.

At the other side of the lake, Angle Lake Manor Parade participants are invited to gather on 33rd Avenue So of the Manor Neighborhood at 10:30 am to receive FREE holiday decorations to adorn their bikes, trikes, pets, or themselves! The street parade will depart from the corner of 33rd Ave So and South 194th St. at 11:00 am and will finish at the Private Manor Beach lot for ice cream treats and a patriotic sing-along. 

At 1:50 pm, Paddleboard Poker race participants will gather in preparation for a 2:00 pm start. Racers will depart for predetermined destinations to collect a playing card from each location. The first racer back to the final destination will receive an extra card, and the finisher with the best poker hand wins a prize!

The Water Sports Competition for swimmers, boaters, and floaters will gather at Louvier Beach off South 193rd St. by 3:00 pm. Classified swimming groups will be determined, and participants will race for ribbons and prizes. Immediately following the swimming competitions, the "Boat Races" will commence... in reality, anything that floats will be assigned a heat to compete in! Winners will receive ribbons.

Suppose you own a boat (pontoon, speed, kayak, or row!). In that case, you are encouraged to adorn your vessel with holiday decorations and join the Festive Boat Parade circling the lake. Gather at Todd Beach in front of the EAT sign with a planned departure at 7:00 pm. 

At 10:00 pm, waterfront residents are asked to ignite the road flare they had received to help illuminate the shoreline circling the lake. At approximately 10:10 pm, the Spectacular Fireworks Display is scheduled to start. 

Your Angle Lake Shore Club Board of Executives and Volunteers has worked many hours to plan, prepare and host these events. Please express your appreciation for their efforts when you see them! 

We look forward to celebrating with you.

Deadline June 15th: The Great SeaTac Scrubdown

On Saturday, July 15th, the City of SeaTac will host The Great SeaTac Scrubdown. Advertised as an organized volunteer event focused on clearing our residential streets, arterials, and lake waters of trash, rubbish, and debris. 

FREE FOOD, MUSIC, AND T-SHIRT!
Although the event is over a month away, the June 15th registration deadline is less than a week out! Registering for the event now will allow you to select your food choice (Meat or Plant-based options) and guarantee a commemorative T-Shirt in your preferred size. 

You may still participate in the event even if you fail to pre-register; you'll still have a choice of location of where to focus your clean-up efforts, and you'll still be able to choose who to work with. You just might not get a t-shirt in a preferred size. 

Regardless of whether you receive a T-Shirt or not, you'll still walk away with the good feeling of doing great things for your community! 

Please consider registering today!
To submit a registration request, please follow this LINK.

DUES and DONATIONS!

Two of our biggest, most popular events are rapidly approaching!
They are the 4th of July Independence Day Activities and the Tasty Tapas in August. 

Tasty Tapas Float Around
To participate in the Tasty Tapas Float Around, you must be an active member of the Shore Club or an invited guest of an active member and purchase a ticket before attending the event. Please click on the following LINK to renew or activate a new membership, buy Tapas Tickets, and contribute to our Fireworks Fund.

CLICK ON MAP ABOVE

Independence Day
The linked document above includes a schedule and location of all the events happening in our community on the 4th of July! 

• Bud Jones Memorial Run/Walk Around the Lake. Participants are given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Commemorative Ribbons in each category, and a Trophy is awarded to the First Place Finisher and their name shall be engraved on it. 
• Angle Lake Manor Community Parade. Patriotic Decorations are provided free of charge for all parade participants. The Shore Club also supplies Ice Cream Treats at the end of the parade route and provides compensation for the scheduled performers at the Community Sing-Along. 
• Paddleboard Poker Run. Playing Cards are provided to participants, and the racer with the best poker hand is awarded a prize!
• Water Sports Competition. Youths finishing first in various swimming categories are awarded a Silver Dollar and/or bags of chocolate coins. Ribbons are awarded to all other swim and boat race competitors.
• Fireworks Display. Road Flares are distributed to all shoreline properties, with additional flares placed on floats down the center of each leg of the lake to create a visually impactful "Ring of Fire" immediately before the start of the aerial fireworks display. The Shore Club has pledged to contribute $5,000 for the main public show. 
• All events are run by volunteers.

To continue offering these activities in the future, we rely exclusively on the generous contributions from our residents to fund these events. Please invest in your community and consider making a financial donation today. 

Can you pay someone on PayPal with just their email address?
You can send money to almost anyone with an email address without sharing your financial information with the recipients. Use "anglelakesc@gmail.com" as the designated recipient to deliver money simpler, faster, and more conveniently. Enter an amount and send your money more securely. Be sure to include a memo indicating what the money is intended for (membership, tickets, donation).

Here's hoping that our upcoming summer days are warm and sunny - and that you can create new lifetime memories shared with family, friends, and neighbors on Angle Lake.

Release from Liability: Recognizing that the ALSC, a non-profit neighborhood based organization run solely on a voluntary basis, will do everything within our capability to best ensure a safe experience, it is important to understand that participation by any member(s) or non- member(s) in any activities sponsored by the ALSC is to do so at the participants own risk.

Fish Pics and Bunny Clicks!

Images from our past two events, the Bunny Dock Hop and our Fishing Derby, are available for viewing at the following locations:

Fishing Derby, Community Barbecue and Raffle
https://photos.app.goo.gl/g7xYKxPtCwUcvCLBA

Easter Bunny Dock Hop
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aQbGx7WQ2eFeKmXC6

Look for the upcoming Summer Newsletter for recap detail for each event!

2023 COMMUNITY BBQ and ANGLE LAKE FISHING EVENT

The 2023 Angle Lake Community BBQ and Fishing Event is upon us. Get your fishing gear and license and join us. Come rain or shine we will be cooking and fishing!

At this popular, family friendly event you can meet your neighbors, win fabulous prizes and have a tasty lunch. Fishing is not required however, purchasing Raffle Tickets is required to attend. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event.

Fishing Derby Details

• Date: 6 May (Saturday)
• Location: Yoker Family Property
• 3747 S. 188th St (Post #68) NOTE: Limited parking for cars. You may need to walk a block or two. (try parking at Tyee High School or Chinook Middle School)

Fishing License Information

• Dept of Fish and Wildlife (web site) (or)
• Call: 866-246-9453 (for general information) (or)
• Dick’s Sporting Goods (Tukwila)

Events Schedule (All Times Approximate)

• 7:00 AM - Coffee and Donuts till they run out
• 11:30 AM - Lunch is Served (Salmon/Burgers/Dogs/etc)
• One Raffle Ticket Required for Lunch ($5.00)
• 11:00 - 12:00 - Length Measurements of Fish. Boats have to be docked and all participants must be in line to be measured by the 12:00 cutoff.
• 12:15 - Welcome / Announcements by ALSC President John Bennett
• 12:30 - Awards & Prizes Presented by John Bennett for Fishing Winners
• 12:45 - Raffle for Fabulous Prizes Starts

RAFFLE TICKETS.

• Cost: $5 ea / 3 for $10 / 10 for $20
• One Raffle Ticket Required for Lunch
• Tickets will be available for purchase at the Derby
• To purchase tickets without coming to the Derby call Jonathan Standridge at 206-693-1710. He will come to your home and sell you tickets!

Please be generous with your Raffle Ticket purchase. All proceeds go to sponsor this event, any additional funds are applied to our other free community events.

Easter Bunny Dock Hop - Saturday, April 8th

Angle Lake Shore Club Bunny Dock Hop is Saturday, April 8th - starting at 1:00 pm.

So kids, get your Easter baskets out and listen and watch for the boat coming your way.  It’s a red 16’ pontoon boat skippered by a large fuzzy bunny, and she has plenty of goodies to fill your baskets.

Watch for the RED PONTOON BOAT circling "clockwise" from Jones Beach at Post 40. Ester the Easter Bunny will be looking for boys and girls on their docks, waiving to request an on-demand visit and receive a treat bag in return! If you live off the lake, you can still gather on the Public Boat Dock at Angle Lake Park as Ester will definitely be making a stop there.  

If you have questions or want to request a reserved stop at your dock - please message Tani Rae Gloria Standridge.

2023 Spring Newsletter is Here!

Back on March 16th, the Shore Club completed the task of emailing out the 2023 Spring Newsletter. Click the link to view the latest edition.

Suppose you are a member in active membership status or a recently expired member, AND we have your current email address on file. In that case, you should have received a copy of the publication in your inbox already.

If you have not received a copy, then one of the following might apply to you; if so, please get in touch with Robyn Todd for assistance:

• I am a current member but have not been receiving any Shore Club E-Mailings
• I am a current member who has changed their email address
• I am no longer current but would like to reinstate my membership

If you live within our Angle Lake boundaries and would like to consider becoming a member of the Shore Club, please contact our Welcoming Committee ( anglelakesc@gmail.com ) to schedule a visit and receive more information about Club Membership benefits including a packet of valuable discounts available from local area businesses.

NOTE: The club relies heavily on electronic communications with our members. Please ensure your contact information is correct and your membership is active to ensure you receive all messages.

April Fools!

April 1st. A time of year that I would typically write some ridiculous story to try to fool and/or entertain you (or me!)  This year I’ve decided not to write an April Fools post but instead have requested my upcoming replacement, Bard, to develop one instead.

It was a beautiful day at Angle Lake. The sun shone, the birds sang, and the water was crystal-clear blue. A group of friends enjoyed a picnic on the shore when they noticed something strange. The water was starting to bubble and churn.

"What's going on?" one of them asked.

"I don't know," another replied. "But it looks like something is coming up from the bottom."

As they watched, a giant creature emerged from the water. It was a Loch Ness Monster-type creature with a long neck and a humped back.

The friends were scared, but the creature just smiled at them.

"April Fools!" it said. "I'm just kidding. I'm not really a monster."

The friends laughed and were relieved.

"But what are you doing here?" one of them asked.

"I'm just taking a vacation," the creature replied. "I've been working hard all year, and I thought I deserved a break."

The friends chatted with the creature for a while longer, and then it said goodbye and swam back into the lake.

The friends never saw the creature again but never forgot its April Fool's prank.

Introducing Bard.

Bard is an experimental Google chatbot that the LaMDA large language model powers. It's a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) that accepts prompts and performs text-based tasks like providing answers and summaries and creating various forms of content, including Blog Posts. 

In the coming weeks, I have been asked by our Board Leadership Team to continue to collaborate with and train Bard in preparation to turn over my current ALSC Blog responsibilities to him… her… them… it? After which, I will officially resign from the board.

If you’d like to experiment with the application yourself - you’ll find Bard at: https://bard.google.com/ 

Familiar Faces In New Places

(Update - Jim Todd will be shifting from VP to Advisor)

As a result of the January 24th ALSC Board and Volunteers meeting, a new President and Vice President were elected into office, while some existing volunteers switched places, and other volunteers were welcomed to their new assignments. 

The following is the list of members and their elected positions:

• President - John Bennett
• Vice President - Jonathan Standridge
• Secretary - Nancy Erickson
• Treasurer - Robyn Todd
• Auditor - Marge Murtha
• Advisor - Jim Todd
• Web Site Manager - Fuzz Hill
• Newsletter Editor - Donna Bennett
• Proof Editor - Tani Rae Standridge
• Club Photographer - Karlene Pettit
• Welcome Committee - Kathy Bryant, Joan Hasselman
• Volunteer Coordinators - Jill Carroll, Susan Knox

We want to express appreciation for our departing volunteers for their many years of service to the community:

• Judy Williams - Treasurer
• Steve Beck - Advisor
• Debbie Beck - Welcome Committee
• Sandy Goulet - Welcome Committee and Events Organizer

Goals and Objectives for 2023

After a short 'soak-in period, allowing the new officers time to adjust to their new duties, the following goals will be considered:

• Unify dues structure. Eliminate Single and Family rates to a single 'Household' rate
• Increase the total number of members via the Club Benefit Awareness Campaign. 
• Added financial support for the 4th of July Kiddies Parade.
• Select and schedule the list of Club Sponsored Events and implement modifications where necessary.

Keep watching the Blog for further announcements.

ALSC Events Risk Being Grounded in 2023

As reported earlier, the Angle Lake Shore Club Board and Volunteers will gather Tuesday, January 24th, to confirm planned events and schedule date assignments. Several events required a pontoon boat and captain to be available for successful event operations.

Unfortunately, our traditional boats are no longer available, and replacements will need to be identified in order to plan for each of the following events:  

• Bunny Dock Hop: Near Easter, April 9th
• Clean Sweep: Saturday, July 8th
• Tapas: Early August
• Christmas Boats/Santa Cruise: Mid-December

If you own a boat and can accommodate any one or more of the above events, please write to anglelakesc@gmail.com no later than January 23rd letting us know about your interest. 

Without volunteer support, these events risk being cut from our schedule.