05/15/2026
📝 A Note from PIHA BOD President - May 2026
As we all look forward to the official start of the Northern Michigan summer season, Memorial Day, we are still waiting for some warm weather to make an appearance in the area. While much of the flooding experienced in April has receded, there remain areas of standing water and many of the Association hiking trails remain flooded in areas. I recently saw a report on the water levels of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. As of early May 2026, water levels have risen between 5 and 13 inches compared to last month. After declining from record highs over several years, Lake Huron is now sitting almost exactly at its long-term monthly average for May. Despite the heavy snow during the winter and the wet spring, the PIHA Maintenance team, the Natural Resources Committee, and help from several members we have successfully opened all hiking trails for the season.
We are close to completing the exterior work on the Clubhouse due to the damage from the 2021 Hailstorm. The siding, fascia, windows, and exterior trim work is completed; the installation of the gutters and downspouts is expected to be completed in the next 2 weeks. The remaining pending work is replacement of the air handling units on the roof of the gym and other units damaged by the storm. Due to updated code compliance, the rooftop units cannot simply be replaced without bringing them up to code. The plan is to replace the 4 units currently on the rooftop with 2 units at ground level. Additionally, 3-phase power is required for these units, and we are working with PIE&G to bring this to the Clubhouse.
We were able to complete the major Campground Maintenance before the opening of the Campground that included stone grading and leveling for drainage at all the sites, replacement of a collapsed culvert, repair of a trail through a low area that lead to the Bathhouse, and grading of all the roads. If you have not visited the Campground, the work done on all the sites was tremendous. Work will be completed in the next month to upgrade the electrical circuits in the Pavillion and upgrade the lighting to LED in the Pavillion and Bathhouse. Work on the North Bay Beach House includes an upgrade of the electrical circuits and installation of a mini-split unit for heating and cooling which is planned to be completed in the next month. At the Grand Lake Beach house, it was decided to not relocate the Attendant shed, however the deck and bathroom will be evaluated for repair or replacement in the next fiscal year.
Our Maintenance staff has been working hard to get everything opened for the 2026 Summer season, the Campground is fully opened and work is underway to get the Grand Lake Beach House up and running for the Memorial Day weekend.
Staffing updates for the 2026 season include:
• Amy Dodge has joined the staff as Seasonal Campground Manager
• Nick Tagliareni has accepted the role of Accounts Receivable Manager, (part-time position)
• Vivien Schuh has joined the staff as a Clubhouse Attendant
• Two Seasonal Maintenance workers have been added, Rick Ruczynski and Andrew Darga
• Laura Convery will return as a Grand Lake Attendant, and another candidate is being interviewed next week
In our discussions with the Architects working on the Construction documents for the Pool Replacement and Expanded Fitness Center project, they are still tracking to complete all the plans and by early June where they can be reviewed by potential contractors. In response to members who have asked how they can provide further support to make this facility truly exceptional, we will shortly be announcing the “Together We Build Donation Program”. This program allows those who wish to go above and beyond to contribute additional funding toward the project’s long-term success and enhanced amenities.
On the financial side of the Association, Tim and his staff have worked diligently all year on past-due member accounts. In the last fiscal year, we realized a 16% reduction in our Accounts Receivable. This is the most significant reduction we have experienced in the past 8 years, and it was not due to simply writing off bad debts, it was due to persistent work all year long by Tim and his staff collecting past due assessments due to the Association. This year there are 35 lots owned by 22 members that were forfeited to Presque Isle County for back taxes, all but 2 of these have multi-year assessment overdue balances. While this may sound bad, we would rather have new owners of these properties that are excited about what we have to offer in the Association and possibly willing to volunteer and serve on our many committees. For the Special Assessment, we have collected 41% of the total invoiced by the end of April. The due date for the Special Assessment is July 1st, 2026.
With a lot of work by the Natural Resources Committee, Members lending us help, and the PIHA Maintenance team, we have been able to open all of the PIHA hiking trails for the 2026 season after the damage from the past winter. The Natural Resources Committee is pleased to announce the Summer Trail Challenge will be back again this year, just with a different twist as to what you will need to find on the trails to qualify for the prizes. The updates rules will be posted in the Clubhouse before the Memorial Day weekend when the challenge begins.
If you are interested in serving on a PIHA committee, please reach out to the Chair of the committee or any of the BOD members. You can find the contacts for the Committees on the “About Us” tab on the PIHA website.
Upcoming Community Events:
•May 23: GLA Pancake Breakfast (Presque Isle Lodge), 8:00 am – 10:30 am.
• May 24: Light up the Sky 5K & Kids Fun Run (New Lighthouse Park), 9:00 am.
• May 25: Memorial Day Service (Presque Isle Cemetery), 2:45 pm.
• May 30: Mystery Valley Trail Hike (Meet at Clubhouse), 1:00 pm.
• May 30–31: Fireside 500 Boat Race (Fireside Inn).
• June 9: PIHA Board Meeting (Clubhouse), 6:00 pm.
• June 16: Blood Drive (Clubhouse), 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
• June 20: Wooden Boat & Car Show (Presque Isle State Harbor), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• June 27: Association Annual Meeting (Clubhouse), 11:00 am.
Occurring every Thursday evening at the Grand Lake Beach House beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day will be the Shoreline Seanachie beginning at 6pm, a lakeside gathering with local musicians free to all those that attend.
Please always review the PIHA website, the activities bulletin board in the Clubhouse, Grand Lake Association website, Presque Isle Township, & Presque Isle Township Museum Society websites for the most accurate details on all the events held in the area.
In addition to all the events and activities mentioned above, don’t forget we have shuffleboard courts, pickleball courts, jumbo Jenga set, basketball equipment is available at the Clubhouse, indoor games, volleyball, and horseshoes.
The next PIHA Board meeting will be on Tuesday June 9th, 2026 starting at 6pm.
Best regards,
Michael Grochola
President, PIHA Board of Directors
