June 2026. View as Webpage

Happy Summer from the Summit Village Board of Directors!

From your SVA Board President

Plume update

On or about 5/19/26 I was notified by several SVA residents that they received letters from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) Environmental Health Coordinator at Antrim County. The letter relayed the following:

“Your property located at (address) is part of a larger groundwater study being conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). This study is part of the investigative work surrounding the Wickes TCE plume originating in Mancelona.”

The letter went on to describe when and how the water would be sampled from the outside water spigot. 

I contacted Agnes R. Taylor, LPG, Senior Geologist at the Gaylord District Office - Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy: (989) 889-4064 | TaylorA46@michigan.gov.

Mark King, SVA Board Vice-President, and I met with Agnes and several other people from the Plume Remediation Team in November 2025. We found them to be forthcoming, factual and credible in describing the prior and current actions related to the plume remediation. 

In my call with Agnes, she informed me of the following:

• The new addresses selected for routine, protective sampling are homes on: Deskin Dr., North Slope, Trout Run, Eagles Nest, Eaglet Drive, Valley Run.
• These homes were chosen as additions to a routine annual assessment of areas IN THE EXPECTED PATH OF the TCE plume. Addresses were selected based on proximity to the plume and anticipated plume migration direction.
• The sampling strategy is protective; EGLE and HDNW add addresses out ahead of the plume so that they can identify early indicators of the plume’s arrival and respond BEFORE concentrations in the drinking water well meet or exceed the health-based criteria. For context, the health-based drinking water criteria is 5 parts per billion (ppb). EGLE identifies the plume’s boundaries using a 1 ppb contour so that the appropriate response is taken BEFORE the risk is present.
• Addresses selected for residential drinking water sampling are re-evaluated annually by EGLE and HDNW with input from the Mancelona Area Sewer and Water Association (MAWSA) regarding municipal water extension progress. Addresses are removed from the sampling when they are connected to municipal water and the well is abandoned. 
• The new home samples will be analyzed and if ANY detection of TCE is found, that home is immediately offered bottled water as a drinking water source until the home can be connected to municipal water. 
• The home drinking water well sampling and the environmental monitoring wells are key components of a dual strategy to protect the public from exposure to the TCE plume and to monitor the known extent of the plume and the expected future path of the plume as it continues to migrate to the west. Drinking water wells are sampled annually around Memorial Day weekend by HDNW. The environmental monitoring wells are sampled semi-annually in May and October by EGLE’s consultant, WSP.
• HDNW’s “Well First Policy” was updated in May 2026 and will go into effect on June 1, 2026. The update was completed to expand the policy to three new geographic areas (areas 06, 07, and 31 on the adjacent map). The Well First Policy has been in place since 2005 and prevents exposure to TCE in groundwater. Additional information about how the Well First Policy works is available here.
• EGLE maintains a Wickes TCE Plume website to provide the public with information regarding the plume and efforts taken to prevent exposure. EGLE and their consultant, WSP, are currently working on updating the website (including the Fact Sheets and web mapper) with data collected in 2025. You can access the website here https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/remediation-and-redevelopment/wickes-manufacturing-tce-plume-2. 
• The key message I heard from EGLE is that the choice of SVA homes being tested this year is not because of any new or heightened concern. They were chosen based on a number of variables that help EGLE and HDNW ensure the public is not exposed to TCE contaminated drinking water by sampling ahead of the expected path of the migrating plume. This data is paired with sampling data collected from groundwater monitoring wells to monitor the plume’s movement and predict how the plume will move through the subsurface in the future to reduce risk to the public.
• Interlochen Public Radio published a news article on the Well First Policy updates and interviewed HDNW. In the article they stated, “The health department also encourages annual sampling for volatile organic compounds for those that fall under the Well First Policy”. TCE is a volatile organic compound (“VOC”) and is detected as part of this analytical test. Testing is described on the health departments website https://nwhealth.org/drinking-water/ 

EGLE will host an informational and Q&A session via video conferencing for our SVA owners this summer when they will have the newest information available. We will keep you updated on that event. 

Best resources:

• EGLE’s Wickes TCE Plume Website: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/remediation-and-redevelopment/wickes-manufacturing-tce-plume-2
• EGLE’s Wickes TCE Plume Fact Sheets: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/egle/Documents/Programs/RRD/Remediation/Wickes-Manufacturing/Wickes-Manufacturing-TCE-Plume-Fact-Sheet.pdf?rev=46eaa5bd7cb5414facf654f0a5e1db9c 
• EGLE’s Wickes TCE Plume Online Mapper: https://ifrastructure.wsp.com/wickes/
• HDNW’s Drinking Water Website: Drinking Water – Health Department of Northwest Michigan

THE GATES ARE DOWN FOR THE SEASON

(EXCEPT PINEBROOK NORTH-which is under repair)!

Why does SVA have gates and why don’t we change the code frequently?

• Eight SVA gates have been in place for over two decades. The initial intent was to limit the resort guest traffic through the neighborhoods in the busy summer season. The gates are placed in the open position in early November and closed in mid-May each year.
• As many of you are aware the gate code has never been changed (*2348). While we could change it, getting the new code out to so many users (including owners, emergency services and delivery personnel) would be challenging. In order for it to serve as a true security gate, industry standards would dictate regular changes of the code which would add additional complexity. At this point, there are no plans to change the code.
• Emergency service providers have a gate remote or know the gate code

How do I obtain a gate remote opener?

Greg Milosek, a Roads & Grounds Committee volunteer, has put significant effort into improving the documentation and ease of the process for owners to obtain remotes! Thanks Greg!

GATE REMOTES CAN NOW BE PURCHASED AT THE SVA BEACH CLUB!

1. Contact Devin Pringle -SVA Beach Club manager (TEXT/CALL 517-528-3258 OR EMAIL beachclub@svashantycreek.org to arrange a convenient time to meet at the beach club for purchase.
2. Purchase Fee = $35.00 for each transmitter. (limit 2 per property please) SVA will purchase them back (at full price) if you no longer need them in the future.
3. Fees can be paid via: Cash/Check/Credit Card (no convenience fee charged)
4. You also have the option of borrowing a remote from the Beach Club office to program vehicle visor buttons in the parking lot. There is no charge for this option as long as you do not need to take the remote off grounds. Instructions to program in car system are available at the beach club.
5. All gates, except the Points West, operate on the same remote. Points West does however have the same manual entry code.

Should you have any questions, please contact Devin Pringle beachclub@svashantycreek.org or Greg Milosek gmilosek@gmail.com

Cant' log into the website?

This is a common issue! The database system we have allows for only one user per property. Often, the email associated with the database is not the one used by the owner who wants access (spouse, partner, etc.) and that person also doesn't know the assigned username. 

If you can't log in, please don't hit the "Request Login button! This creates a new account. Instead, go to svashantycreek.org and click the Contact button. Please use the "general inquiry" field and give us your name and Summit Village address or lot number. We'll look you up and send a login link to the email we have on file. Please be patient thought! We are all volunteers and are not always at our computers to assist.

Beach Club News

The Beach Club is now officially open!

Thank you to Devin Pringle (Beach Club Manager) and his amazing crew the SVA Beach Club is ready for another super summer! Here is a quick Q&A with frequently asked questions:

Do owners, and/or their renters, need a pass to enter the Beach Club?

• YES!!! Please help our staff to ensure that only those included in this amenity enter the property. Even if you are a “frequent flyer”, please have your pass with you. 
• If you do not have a pass, see the Beach Club staff to obtain yours. 

ONE owner pass per owner (not per property) to be used by owner, their guests and family  

One renter's pass per property to be used by renters on REGISTERED PROPERTIES ONLY (please see registration procedures on the SVA website) https://svashantycreek.org/

Who gets to use the boat slips?

• The SVA boat slip leasing program is an amenity for owners of homes and condominiums who do not rent their property.
• To be placed on the boat slip wait list, please submit a request on the SVA website https://svashantycreek.org/. The waitlist is posted at the Beach Club.
• For more details on the program click here.

Who gets to use the SVA day buoys?

• Five SVA buoys for short term boat tie up are available for daily or weekly rental at $15/day.
• Owners (lot, home or condo) can moor their personal boat or a boat rented in the owner’s name. Rental agreement or boat registration are required for the reservation.
• Reservations can be secured after May 1 on the SVA website or at the Beach Club. Some restrictions apply to the number of reservations that can be made in advance.

***Please note that no jet skis are allowed on beach club property in any area (except on a registered trailer on the SVA trailer lot) ***

Can I store my kayak, canoe or paddle board at the SVA Beach Club?

• Owners may store their non-motorized vehicles on a daily ($1/day) or seasonal ($125/season) basis on the SVA racks located on the south side of the property.
• Reservations can be secured through the SVA website, or with the Beach Club staff, after 4/1

Can I store my boat/trailer on the Beach Club grounds?

• Owners (not renters) can store their boat/trailer on the property between M-88 and the beach club parking lot DURING the boating season.
• Owners must register the trailer/boat with the beach club attendants and sign a waiver of responsibility to obtain a pass. Trailers without passes are subject to removal.

Can I reserve the clubhouse or pavilion for an event?

• Owners (owner must be at the event) can reserve the SVA clubhouse OR pavilion for an event. (4^th of July holiday excluded). Reservations can be secured on the SVA website or with the staff.
• There is a $200 deposit required to hold a date and as a security deposit in case of damage.
• Bounce houses (and other similar products) and live music are not permitted. Guest numbers are limited to facility capacities. SVA made a commitment to the property owners along the lakefront decades ago to maintain a quiet family environment in their neighborhood.

Can I reserve the SVA pickleball court?

YES! Owners can reserve the SVA pickleball court (some restrictions apply). Contact Devin Pringle or the beach club staff for details and to secure your reservation.

Is there an SVA pool or tennis court that can be utilized?

YES, at our Pinebrook facility, not the beach club

• 6694 M-88 (1.3 miles south of Beach Club)
• Recently resurfaced tennis/pickleball court.  
• Small outdoor pool is open seasonally 10-10 daily. 
• Property owners will walk around the south side of the club house and enter the pool area.
• Restrooms/changing rooms available on the south side of the clubhouse (no lock or passcode needed for pool/bathrooms)
• The clubhouse is available for rent through Heather(231-533-3958)

A note from our Treasurer

In addition to cash and checks, credit cards are now accepted at the Beach Club for miscellaneous payments. This includes payments for Day Buoys, Kayak Storage, and Gate Remotes.

Information from your Secretary

Got Pics? We'd love to see them!

If you have photos of you and your family/friends enjoying all that Shanty Creek has to offer, please share! Send them to Mickey MacWilliams (mickeymacwilliams@outlook.com) and she'll include them in an upcoming edition of the Summit Villager. Please send just one or two and include a caption with names. Photos could be on the slopes and trails, at the beach, on one of the golf courses, or just hanging at your SVA abode. We all enjoy seeing pics of our friends and neighbors. A picture tells a thousand words! (Photo provided by Lori and George Figueroa.)

SVA board meeting minutes

The minutes to all SVA board meetings are posted on the Summit Village website. They are listed under the Board tab. Draft minutes from our April 29 meeting are there, along with all committee reports and other supporting documents.

Website Updates

We hope you are all taking advantage of the Summit Village Association website, svashantycreek.org. There you'll find useful information about our beautiful Beach Club, our Bylaws, Architecture, Roads and Grounds, Code of Conduct and more. You can pay your annual dues with access to our website and also find important forms for day buoy and pavilion rentals and much more. However, our website is a never-ending project! We continuously work to update information as needed. Please check back often! If you notice something that needs updating or if you have a suggestion for information that we aren't providing, please contact Mickey MacWilliams at mickeymacwilliams@outlook.com.

QUICK REMINDERS!

• Dogs need to be on a leash per the Antrim County Leash law.
• Trash cans cannot be left out for extended periods of time beyond pickup day.
•  Most home/property improvements need review of the architectural committee. When in doubt, please send an email to bethlavasseur@gmail.com or send a “contact us” form (don’t need to sign in) through the website at https://svashantycreek.org/contact-us/.
• Firepits can be utilized on your property if conditions are safe. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR FIRE AND BE SURE IT IS OUT BEFORE LEAVING IT UNATTENDED.

Know someone who should be receiving these newsletters?

The Summit Villager is a new way to keep all Summit Village Association (SVA) owners informed about what goes on in our beautiful neighborhood! If you're reading this, you are already on our email list. If you know of others who would like to receive these emails (your spouse, kids, co-owners, etc.) please add their information using the link below or forward this email to them and have them click on the link to be added to the list.

We look forward to seeing you this summer at the Beach Club!

SVA Board of Directors