Hello Team LMOA!

Please be safe this Memorial Day weekend, as we honor and mourn the US Military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Take time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday, recognizing the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. At LMOA, we hold deep respect and gratitude for our fallen heroes, military service members, and first responders who have given so much to protect our freedom. May their courage inspire us to live with purpose, never forgetting that freedom isn't free.
 
Please continue reading for LMOA’s official news update:

Closure: Our Administrative Offices will be closed on Memorial Day.

LMOA Voting Opens May 28: Emails and postcards with voting instructions will be sent on May 28, and voting ends on June 21. The Board of Directors is asking for a $150 dues increase that will go into reserves annually to replenish those funds. There are also four candidates running for two openings on the Board. Our Broadcast Group volunteers facilitated a forum with the candidates earlier this week, allowing each candidate to answer questions from the community. The volunteer-run initiative was a fantastic way to get a great impression of the candidates. If you were not able to tune in, no problem! Broadcast recorded the forum and posted it HERE on YouTube. Thank you Broadcast!

Volunteer Water Safety Team: The Volunteer Water Safety Team (VWST) is excited to kick the summer boating season off this weekend with their Lake friends and neighbors. When you see them out on the water, wave hello and feel free to ask them questions about water safety. They are available to help and educate and may even have a treat to share with you! Earlier this week, VWST hosted a visit with Mindy Tucker, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Statewide Boating Safety Coordinator. She learned all about VWST's history and current model, witnessing firsthand the unique collaborative partnership the volunteers have with LMOA Public Safety staff. Mindy endorsed the  'neighbors helping neighbors' strategy VWST is utilizing to promote safety through education, outreach, and presence on the water. This is the same approach DWR advocates at the state level. It was a great visit and a relationship that the group will continue to cultivate. Thank you, Water Safety volunteers!

Solar Project Update: The solar panels on the Ashlawn Clubhouse roof are tracking an 8.7-year payback period instead of the initial estimate of 12-13 years. The total actual project cost was $189K. We have applied for a 30% Federal Grant ($56.7K) which is in progress. We have already saved $9.2K in power costs in the first 6 months and will receive $3.2K in Solar Renewable Energy Certificate credits for the first year. Results so far have exceeded expectations and should improve as we get into the summer months with increased sunlight.

Fraud Warning from Sheriff’s Office: The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls from citizens in the Fluvanna, Albemarle, and Charlottesville area regarding an unknown individual or individuals impersonating Fluvanna County Deputies. The caller instructs citizens to withdraw money or make online payments to avoid arrest, using real deputy names and fake badge numbers. The calls also appear on caller ID to be coming from official phone numbers. This is fraud! No one from the Sheriff’s Office is involved in this scam, nor would they demand money in exchange for not being arrested. If you receive or have received this call, record as much information as you can about the caller (phone number, name used, date, time, etc.) and contact your local law enforcement agency directly. Do not use return contact info provided by the scammers as they are likely set up to intercept your report and continue the fraud.

Walking and Fishing at the Golf Course: Now that your children are enjoying summer vacation, please make sure they know when they are allowed to walk on the golf course paths and where fishing is permitted. These rules, listed below, help ensure their safety, as a hit from a golf ball can cause severe head injuries.
 
Walkers may walk the cart paths in the morning up until the first tee times of the day. Evening walking hours begin at cart due time and this time can be found under Course Conditions on the Lake Monticello Golf Course app which is available in your App Store. Bikes and skateboards are not permitted. Dogs are allowed with leash control and owners are expected to clean up after their pet.

Fishing is only allowed at the large pond that can be seen from the bistro patio. There are two designated areas clearly marked by signs; one is behind the new golf practice facility and one is on the dam of the same pond.
 
Fluvanna County Comprehensive Plan: LMOA’s Community Development Committee is following the county’s Comprehensive Plan closely and encourages residents to stay informed on the subject. The plan provides overall and general guidance for land use decisions. The 2015 version is in effect and with certain changes, is being reviewed by the County Planning staff - with additional time being allowed due to the recent arrival of the County Director of Planning Todd Fortune. Please read some highlights provided to you by the committee HERE.

Kids’ Fishing Day: The Lake Monticello Fishing Club invites you to Kids' Fishing Day at Tufton Pond on Saturday, June 15! The club provides rods, reels, tackle, and worms, but you are welcome to bring your own gear. This fun family event begins at 9 AM with fishing until 11 AM, followed by pizza and prizes! All children ages 3 through 12, accompanied by a parent or guardian, are invited to participate. To register in advance, send an email to [email protected] by June 13 with the name and age of each child, the name of the accompanying adult, and a contact phone number. Registration on the day of the event begins at 9 AM. Rain Date: June 22.
 
West Coast Swing Beginner Lessons: Kyla Miller will start a new beginner West Coast Swing class on Tuesday, June 11 from 7 - 8:30 PM in the Terrace Rooms of Ashlawn Clubhouse. This is a progressive 8-week class and it’s FREE! For more information and to register, please contact Kyla at [email protected].
 
Golf Highlights: The 45th Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire & Rescue Golf Tournament will take place on June 15 at the Lake Monticello Golf Course. Registration is open and forms are available at the Pro Shop, or via email: [email protected]. This popular tournament fills up quickly and registration will be accepted no later than June 5. Registration for the Annual Member-Guest Golf Tournament is also open. Held this year on June 7-9, the event is fun-packed with golf, food, drinks, and friendly competition. SIGN UP NOW! For more golf news, visit lakemonticellogolf.org and download the app!

For events at Bunker Bistro, visit bunkerbistro.com.

Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager