Your Monkey Island REPORTER
Published by the Monkey Island Association
Vol. 1, No. 1 April 24, 2006 Priceless!
New association efforts featured for Island While still in the early months of its new initiatives, Monkey Island Association is off and running. Over 30 interested islanders met in December and January at the American Folk Art Furniture Studio to discuss island needs and approaches to fulfill them. A task force chaired by Ron Sigenthaler was established. The group met weekly over the next two months to prepare effective bylaws to guide the association, and gather nominations for a board of directors. Ron, Mike Good, Randyl Kriner, Marilyn Mlnarik, Loren Zook and Gretchen Zumwalt-Smith served on the task force and accomplished the time-consuming tasks.
At least 33 islanders participated in the third general meeting held April 6, 2006. Primary agenda items were the formal approval and adoption of the bylaws, election of the board of directors, and discussions of priorities for the current and upcoming year. Future general membership meetings will be seasonal, with the annual meeting scheduled for September of each year.
In accordance with the new bylaws, the elected board of directors consists of seven members, three of whom represent residents and four from businesses. Board member terms are for two years with at least three members rotating annually.
Officers were elected April 10 at the first regular board meeting. Larry Minden was named president. Other officers include Loren Zook, vice president; Randyl Kriner, secretary, and Marilyn Mlnarik, treasurer. Other members of the board are John Turner, Shane Gregg and Karl Blade. All officers and directors are Monkey Island residents. Future board meetings will usually be held the third Thursday of the month.
Members first priority Topping the association’s initial agenda will be a membership drive, offering both residential and business memberships. Annual resident’s dues will be $25, businesses $50. Additional donations to help the association get underway will be encouraged, Kriner said. Membership includes receiving the REPORTER email newsletter. Watch for an application in the next REPORTER or at local businesses. Join soon and play a positive role in island projects, activities and the quality of life on Grand Lake.
Committees coming soon Have a special talent or area of interest? The association wants to hear from you! Just call a board member or add a note to your membership application. Whether it’s beautification, events, promotion, special projects like island trails or communication (including the web and our blog), your interest and involvement will absolutely make things happen! President Minden said the group is expected to develop committees in the weeks ahead as membership and interest levels expand. To get initiatives going, the board named John Turner to head the communications committee (a journalism major and entrepreneur), and Randyl Kriner to oversee membership development (email grand master). Make a difference; sign up today.
Island entry to get new look Those unsightly causeway metal barriers that greet automobile drivers upon their return to or departure from Monkey Island will soon be replaced, according to representatives of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). Previously, members of the Monkey Island Association had contacted State Sen. Charlie Wyrick regarding the need for mowing and improvement of the causeway entry area. Wyrick contacted ODOT which has said bids will be let within the next few weeks. Several serious accidents have occurred on the causeway.
Get those prom dresses and tuxes ready The Third Annual Monkey Island Prom promises a full schedule of activities for adults with fond memories of yesteryear. To be held May 20, the Island Prom night will begin at 7 on the deck at Island Joes overlooking Grand Lake and lots of boats at Shangri-la Marina. Next, it’s dinner at Shebang’s starting at 8, followed by dancing and lots of good times at Big Shots at 9. Nothing to wear to a prom? Event planners suggested checking attics, the Salvation Army or other second hand clothing outlets.
Cleanliness is next to……… Results were obvious after April’s Monkey Island clean-up effort headed up by Susan Graham. The island thanks you all. Unfortunately, trash is starting to accumulate again already. Who are these yo-yos with no island respect? Signs for littering fines will be posted soon. ODOT officials report that “enforcement works”. You can help too. Watch for updates in the REPORTER for phone numbers to turn in litterbugs. If you’re interested in keeping island roadsides free of litter, call Susan at 257-6065. By the way, Susan is recovering from abdominal surgery and a week-long hospital stay. She’d love to get your phone calls of roadside cleanup support, however.
Fire Department Auxiliary elects officers……… What’s goin’ on at Monkey Island and the lake…..Several first run movies at the Grove theatre….Things up and running at Shangri-la with the completion of the new Golf Pro Shop, Bar and Grille in the front of the resort’s Recreation Center….Phone your Island news to any board member or email us at
monkeyislandassociation@yahoo.com …Don’t forget to pay federal and state income tax estimates by June 15….World Class Shrimp Boil set for May 13 at Thunder Bay Marina. Donations to benefit South Grand Lake Airport…. Initial plans call for the M.I. Reporter to be distributed via email a few days after the association’s board meeting on the third Thursday of the month…Grand Lake “Lunch ‘n Learn” meeting set for May 11 at The Shebang. $10 charge includes program, meal, drink, dessert, tax and tip! Call 786-2289 to reserve a spot….Island Joe’s at Shangri-la Marina is now open for the season.
