A message from Carol and Dick
Dear Friends,
Summer 2001 marks our 20th season. We have man new friends and much change has occurred. This winter we have struggled with the direction of White Birch Village both for the short term and the long term. There are several significant factors that have created this struggle. The inability to find housekeeping labor, doubling of taxes and 230% increase of propane costs have all contributed to this frustration. One option was to not open this summer which is what other resorts are faced with. Since this was not an acceptable solution, we explored numerous alternatives with the objective of a long term solution. The direction we are taking is now in process. Although nothing is definite, we are optimistic of its success.
Our plan now is to hire foreign help for opening through closedown and foreign students June thought September. Our single most difficult task is staffing for Saturday turnover. To maintain our quality housekeeping, we must split the turnover days: Hillcrest, Bluebill, Wren, Red Oaks and Balsam Fir will remain Saturday to Saturday. Hideaway, Oriole, WoodDuck, and Teal will go Sunday to Sunday. This will be reflected on your reservation confirmation form. Without this change, we would not have adequate staff available.
Construction this winter is our continued commitment for the future. Musky has been completed. Not begun yet, but on schedule, is making Balsam Fir completely handicapped accessible. It will have a new wider front door and a remodeled bathroom. Heron Haus is being remodeled to house the foreign students. The house portion of Frog House has been razed and the garage is being remodeled as a maintenance personnel break room.
Due to all the reasons stated, we have had to make rate changes with significant increases during prime time. However, we will be giving a 5% discount to guests in prime time who have been guests for the last five consecutive years.
Erringtons have agreed to provide us with a pontoon boat and kayaks available for rental this summer along with the continued supply of motors.
We are looking forward to your continued support and to seeing all of you this summer.
Carol and Dick Malmgren
A message from Sue and Bill
Hello and greetings to all of you,
It is hard to believe that it is already March and time to start thinking about the exciting summer coming up. Along with the planning and opening procedures, we also must look back to the previous season and review all guest activities and try to come up with a slate of activities for the coming season.
During the summer of 2000 we hosted a kayak demonstration when numerous guests had the opportunity to try out kayaks of different types and they enjoyed the opportunity despite the windy day. We also had a wonderful presentation from Nick Hockings, a native American from Lac du Flambeau, talking about native American ways including instruments and dancing. At the end of his presentation he had everyone on their feet dancing. It was very interesting. We also hosted the ever popular Weenie Roast, Fun Olympics for the kids and a popular shore lunch demonstrated by neighbor and guide, Bruce Wilsie.
These activities have been popular with the guests, especially when combined with the always popular pot luck lunch or dinner. We plan on continuing some of the activities again this year and maybe during a different week so other guests can also enjoy the activities. This coming season we would also like to add a talk from a naturalist from Trout Lake in order to learn about the flora and fauna that surrounds this part of the north woods. Also under consideration is the possibility of having a specialist from the DNR - Department of Fish Management to discuss fish problems in the northern lakes and hopefully answer your questions on fish management.
Be sure to check at the desk and pick up your copy of the weekly newsletter during your stay at White Birch Village to see if any special events will be happening while you are there.
Sue and I look forward to seeing all of you this coming summer. We hope the remainder of the winter fades fast so we can get started on some summer fun. Drive carefully and have a safe trip here.
Sue and Bill Grunwald
