Hello, Team LMOA!

Please continue reading for an update on official LMOA news, community activities, and volunteer work opportunities!

NEWS

Board Meetings: The packet for the next regular Board Meeting was posted today and can be found by logging into lmoa.org and selecting Board Meeting Details from the GOVERNANCE drop-down menu. The meeting will take place on February 22 at 7 PM in the Fairway Clubhouse (51 Bunker Blvd.). Please email [email protected] if you want to sign up to speak. On February 28, our Board of Directors will also hold a second Town Hall Meeting, this time giving more details about their proposal to raise dues. The meeting starts at 6 PM in the Fairway Clubhouse. Both meetings can be watched live on Comcast channel 977 or YouTube.

Social Media Misinformation: In the wake of discussing a likely Board Proposal to increase dues, there are a lot of sidebar conversations occurring on private Facebook pages. We fully encourage dialogue on the subject but encourage our Members to check LMOA’s official news platforms for accurate and factual information. Please visit lmoa.org where you can use the ‘Contact the Board’ option and read the recent survey results. We also encourage you to attend or watch the Town Hall Meeting as well as participate in Finance & Audit Committee meetings and regular Board Meetings. If you are not finding the answers you need through these channels, please contact the Communications Director at [email protected]. Marieke Henry can point you in the right direction.

Aqua Workgroup: The Water Workgroup met on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, for its monthly meeting. Stantec, a third party hired by Aqua Virginia to study odor from Lake Monticello’s wastewater system, presented official results. The company identified the lift station at Glen Burnie Road and a collection box near the Main Dam as priority areas. Biofilters with fans were recommended for both locations to reduce foul odors. They also studied less urgent problem areas, namely Beach 5 and lift stations at Possum Lane,  Barrett Street, and Sycamore Square. Though Stantec was not successful in collecting data from the wastewater treatment plant, the company said they believed most of the odor in that area stems from the collection box. They did recommend operational adjustments be made at the wastewater treatment plant as well as placing aluminum covers on the digesters to mitigate odor. The LMOA Members of the Water Workgroup said they expected a more robust study. Representatives from Stantec explained that an expanded study would be more expensive. Aqua Virginia’s staff said they would consider the recommendations and likely initiate pilot testing starting at Glen Burnie and the collection box.

Boat Slips and Kayak Racks: If you would like to keep your boat slip and/or kayak and canoe racks, payments are due March 1, 2024, and are considered late after March 31. Please make a payment at the Marina as soon as possible. There is a waiting list; if we do not receive a payment before April 1, 2024, your spot may be given to someone else.

Water Safety ‘Patrol’: Lakers Diane and Gib Kerr are bringing new energy to our Water Safety Patrol. Tom Braithwaite handed over the reins when he retired this fall, and the couple is working closely with staff to revamp the group’s role in our community as well as its educational resources. The group - which is a volunteer division of the Department of Public Safety - is also changing its name to Water Safety Team (WST). Now is the perfect time to let WST know you are interested in joining the group. Please email [email protected] if you would like more information. Be sure to ask about the following meetings at the Ashlawn Clubhouse:

• March 16: Spring Membership Meeting 10 - 11 AM

• April 27: Virginia Boating Safety Course 8 AM - 4 PM

• May 4: Water Safety Annual Training 9 AM - 12 PM

 
FUN

Bear Program: Come celebrate World Wildlife Day with your neighbors and learn everything you need to know about bears at the Ashlawn Clubhouse on March 3, 2024. The LMOA Wildlife Committee will host an educational program with Master Naturalist Jack Day at 2 PM. Everyone is welcome!

UVA Rowing: In January, the Board of Directors approved the request to hold special events in 2024 which are CalTri (triathlon on April 28), UVA Women's Rowing, 4th of July, and the Beach Bonfire. UVA Women's Rowing is scheduled to host Stanford, California, Yale, Syracuse, and Oregon State on April 13 and 14 at Lake Monticello. This event is not only beautiful to watch, it is also a source of revenue.

Ladies Golf Breakfast: The Lake Monticello Ladies Golf Association invites the women of the Lake to their Kick-off Breakfast on Thursday, March 14th from 9:30 AM to noon at the Ashlawn Clubhouse in Terrace Rooms A & B (41 Ashlawn Blvd.). There you can learn about all special events, tournaments, and ladies’ golf leagues at Lake Monticello. Contact Jacque Lamb at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Mediterranean Food Workshop: Join Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Cynthia Moore for a nutrition tune-up. Cynthia and the Hygeia Wellness Park will offer a free program called “Mediterranean Winter Foods and Mood” on February 17 from  3-4:15 PM at the Ashlawn Clubhouse, Terrace Room B. Cynthia plans to answer the question of whether fruits and vegetables influence happiness. “Recipes will include beans, greens, and quick-fix foods to keep you vibrant,” she says.

St. Patrick’s Day: The Lake Monticello Fire Department is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising party on March 16 at 6 PM. The $20 entrance fee covers dinner, music, and door prizes. Please bring your own drink!

VOLUNTEER CORNER

There are so many volunteer opportunities in Fluvanna County! If you would like one to be highlighted in the GM Corner, please email details to Marieke Henry at [email protected]. This week, the spotlight is on Cal-Tri:

• CAL-TRI TRIATHLON needs volunteers for this year's race.  The race will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The organization is looking for non-profit groups who are interested in fundraising. For each volunteer, the group will earn $50.  Not part of a non-profit group?  Your $50 will be donated to Fluvanna Habitat for Humanity or you can earn a free race entry on a future race.  Registration HERE.  If you have any questions, contact Kellie O'Connor at [email protected].

Have a great weekend!

-Tom Schauder
General Manager