Thoughts from the President – October 2025

📸 Golden foliage along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River – A serene reminder of the natural beauty just beyond our doorsteps.

Welcoming Fall: A New Chapter for Carlin Bay

🍂 Changing Seasons

As the leaves begin to turn and the lake settles into its autumn rhythm, I wanted to take a moment to connect with each of you. Whether you’ve lived here for decades, just moved in, or are building a new home, there’s something truly special about calling Carlin Bay our home.

From playing at the Marina, to riding an ATV down to Latitudes for lunch, or simply gazing out the window at the forest and wildlife—we’re fortunate to enjoy it all: natural beauty, recreation, and a strong sense of community. As fall and winter approach, we have the opportunity to enjoy exciting events and activities from Harrison to Coeur d’Alene and beyond. Let’s embrace the coming months with joy, connection, and a spirit of adventure.

📸 Golden foliage along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River – A serene reminder of the natural beauty just beyond our doorsteps.


🙏 Gratitude & Growth

I want to express my personal appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your CBPOA President, and for the community’s support as I learn the ins and outs of our vibrant lifestyle.

I’m especially grateful to our Board of Directors and committee members for their time, patience, and insights. Their support—and the wisdom of past CBPOA leaders—has been invaluable. Thank you all for your generosity and encouragement.


🎉 Celebrating Progress

We’ve had some exciting developments worth celebrating:


📸 The Coeur d’ Alene Resort’s public beach and marina in autumn light showcasing the peaceful transition of lake life into fall.
  • Treasurer Appointment
    Debbie Eason, our newly appointed Treasurer, brings deep expertise in financial management. Her leadership will strengthen our fiscal planning and transparency. Welcome aboard, Debbie!
  • FY2026 Budget
    Thanks to Ross Fetter and the Finance Committee, we now have a clear, forward-looking budget that reflects our priorities and values. Thank you, Ross!
  • Policy, Processes, and Procedures
    Our new committee is laying the groundwork for consistent, homeowner-friendly service standards. Thank you to Ginger Jacobsen for your leadership and Chris Cozad and Debbie Eason for supporting this important effort.
  • Virtual Collaboration
    We’re leveraging technology to make participation easier and more inclusive—whether you’re in town or away. This includes leveraging Community Pro capabilities provided by Sentry Management for accounting services and improvements in collaboration and information sharing for the Board of Directors and Committees.

🔭 Looking Ahead

Your Board and Committees are focused on three guiding principles: transparency, timeliness, and trust. We aim to create a simple, supportive path for homeowners to find solutions and feel heard.

We’ll continue to empower our Committees with the resources they need to be effective and efficient, and we invite you to be part of this journey. Volunteer for the Board, join a committee, help with events or projects, and attend meetings to share your ideas and feedback.


📸 Downtown Coeur d’Alene dressed in fall colors – capturing the vibrancy of seasonal activities and community spirit.

“To bring the future to the present, remember that all of us are smarter than one of us.”
— Graduate school wisdom I carry with me

That spirit of collaboration is what will make Carlin Bay the home we want now and, in the years, to come.

Wishing you crisp mornings, cozy evenings, and meaningful moments with neighbors and nature.

Warm regards,
Robert Johnston
President, Carlin Bay Property Owners Association (CBPOA)