Hello Team LMOA!

We are happy to share that our Members have shown exceptional commitment by paying their dues at a record pace this year. Thank you to everyone who has already paid their 2025 dues! If you haven’t done so yet, please remember that today, January 31, 2025, is the deadline to pay your dues or set up a payment plan for 2025. Additionally, please note that when using a debit card for payment, our system processes it as a credit card, which incurs a 3% fee. Barcodes will be billed during the week of February 3, 2025 - be on the lookout for those as well. Payments for barcodes are due by February 28, 2025. We greatly appreciate your continued support! For more on LMOA’s official news update, please continue reading, thank you!

PPP Loan: We appreciate the supportive emails to the Board about the PPP Loan Forgiveness. Please understand that office staff does not have more information to give at this point. The best way to submit comments and questions is to email the Board (utilize Contact the Board at lmoa.org), and we will address them here in the GM Corner or at Board meetings to the best of our ability. The loan was applied for and approved in April 2020, right at the start of the pandemic. The Board at that time was faced with uncertainty regarding potential staff furloughs and members’ ability to pay their dues. To support our members during this challenging period, the Board made the decision to limit the dues increase to 1.5% instead of the usual 3%. Thankfully, most Members were able to pay their dues, and we were not forced to furlough staff, but that was unknown when applying. The loan, which was applied for in good faith and was forgiven in May 2021, helped secure staff, which assisted in sustaining most of our operations during the pandemic despite the difficulties. If you would like to learn more, please read the attached statement, which was sent out in an email by our Board President on Wednesday, January 29. We ask that you remain patient as we seek to understand the situation.

Run for the Board! On Monday, February 3, 2025, both paper and digital petition packets will be available for candidates interested in running for the LMOA Board of Directors or for members proposing policy changes. Serving on the LMOA Board of Directors is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to your community. If you have any questions about the petitioning process (which requires collecting 150 signatures from Members in Good Standing), our staff is here to help. You can visit the Help Desk located in the Ashlawn Clubhouse at 41 Ashlawn Blvd. Please park at the tennis courts and enter through the front of the building; the Help Desk is located downstairs. This year, there are two openings on the Board as well as two options for completing packets - paper and digital. For the first time ever, petitions can be completed online, including the collection of signatures. To receive a link for online petitioning, please email [email protected]. The traditional paper packets are available at the Help Desk.

Marina Manager Retires: When you stop by the Marina to make slip and rack payments, be sure to wish Gregg Thompson a happy retirement! His official last day is this weekend, but he will be popping in and out until the end of February. The LMOA Team appreciates all the hard work he has contributed, and we know his friendly smile will be missed by the boating community. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his life! We have interviewed for his position and will let the community know who will take over his responsibilities soon.

Boat Slips and Racks Renewals: Payments for boat slips and kayak/canoe racks are due March 1, 2025, and the Marina has begun accepting them to ensure you secure your desired spot. After March 31, payments will be considered late, and any unpaid spots can be reallocated to the next individual on the waiting list. The Marina operates Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For further details, you are welcome to visit the Marina at 962 Jefferson Drive or contact 434-589-1692.

Mindful Movement for Joint Health and Wellbeing: Join Joan Clark, a physical therapist, for an informative discussion on the importance of mindful movement for joint health and overall well-being. This free workshop will be held on February 22 from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM at Ashlawn Clubhouse, Terrace Room B (downstairs). Experience gentle range-of-motion movements that incorporate breath and hydration to boost your energy levels. Please confirm your attendance or ask any questions by emailing [email protected].

Cooking at the Lake: The much-loved “Cooking at the Lake” series is back, and we have something special for you: chaffles, a delicious alternative to bread! Be sure to check out the video on YouTube made by our amazing Broadcast volunteers. You’ll get to meet our wonderful neighbor, Sue Mink, who shows us how to whip up a tasty snack that won’t spike your glucose levels. A huge thank you to Sue and the Broadcast Team for sharing this with us! Enjoy cooking!

Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager