September 2005 -- by Pat Springstead

Stepping into the position of President of the HLPOA is a tremendous honor for me, and I look forward to working with all of you in the daily challenges that face our Association and Higgins Lake. I will be communicating with you often from the President's desk as we move into the 71st year of the HLPOA mission: To protect, preserve and enhance the quality of Higgins Lake and its surrounding watershed.

My background includes starting out with my father in the restaurant business in 1965, and branching out to owning four establishments over the years. Often people relate the scenes from "Cheers" as the daily norm of the restaurant business, but after forty years I can truly attest that is far from the case! It does, however, teach one to hone skills in accounting, ambiance, mediation and a talent to produce a great burger. The family business, Nemo's, was recently honored in a Sport's Illustrated write-up of the best sport's bars in America and listed us as number three.

My family started bringing me to Higgins Lake in 1943, so I have a very intimate relationship with this lake and have been witness to the many events and changes through the years. My wife, Vicki, and I now call Higgins Lake home. Six years ago, I was asked to join the HLPOA. I looked upon this as an honor and an opportunity to be involved in the community and preservation of the lake that I cherish. My responsibilities and activities have included participation in The Higgins Lake Advisory Committee, Chairman of the Political Action Committee, attending Township meetings, and the formation of committees within the HLPOA Board.

This is a time of change for our community as a whole. The population is growing, and we are seeing the results of this added pressure on the lake and surrounding area. There is a new wave of suburbia in our midst, bringing the possibility of a marina at the south end of Higgins Lake to provide the long sought privilege of legal access for local residents. The legas wheels continue to turn, albeit slowly, and hopefully an end to the feud that has worn too long on community spirit concerning the road ends will soon be over. The preservation of the quality of Higgins Lake, our forests and rivers will remain an ongoing priority. Certainly these matters are a concern for all residents.

During my term as your President, it will be my pleasure to insure that the HLPOA and its Board will remain open to communication, will continue to seek solutions to maintain the quality of life that is a Higgins Lake tradition, and will continue to work together with our resources and community to strive for a harmonious climate of understanding and unity.