Hello, Team LMOA!

Pool Closed: The 2024 Pool Season officially ended this week. As a "lessons learned" exercise, our Pool Management Team surveyed its visitors. We are happy to report that most of the participants were very satisfied with pool safety, saying they appreciated the attentive and community-minded lifeguards. To ensure a clean and safe swim environment, Pool Management partnered with LMOA’s Facilities & Operations Team, which proved to be an effective collaboration: the cleanliness of the water also scored high on the survey. LMOA will use other feedback from the questionnaire to improve the pool experience next season, such as ensuring a slip-free zero entry and looking at options for more shade. We want to congratulate all staff involved for a job well done. LMOA is developing a system for managing free pool passes next year, which we plan to communicate when billing statements go out in January 2025.

Enjoy Paddling: The cooler September temperatures are perfect for paddling. We care about your safety while you are out on the water. That's why we want you to know the Lake's rules and the laws of Virginia before going out. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Paddlers must have a life vest on board, a horn, whistle, or bell, and a current LMOA registration sticker. The Marina may still have a few free whistles that the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries donated. 

• You must also have a navigation light if paddling after sunset and before sunrise.

• Our Lake's traffic pattern moves counterclockwise. This also applies to manually propelled watercraft operators who travel further than 75 feet from the shoreline. Be careful if you have to cross the traffic pattern; never assume other boaters can see you.

• If you want to know the rules in greater detail, LMOA Policy Manual Sections 6.04 and 6.05 regulate boating. You can also watch this convenient VIDEO produced by our Broadcast Group. Go HERE for state laws on safe boating and required equipment. Be safe, have fun, and watch out for our friendly lake monster, Monti!

Soliciting and Canvassing: Please remember that soliciting door-to-door by businesses or canvassing related to national politics is not permitted at Lake Monticello. If you have a non-authorized solicitor or canvasser at your door, please do not do business with them or provide them with your personal information. Instead, please call the Main Gate so our Security Staff can notify a Lake Monticello Police Officer. The officer can attempt to locate this person and inform them of the LMOA's policy.

Who to Call: Knowing who to call for what type of incident is important:

• For non-criminal issues and LMOA policy violations like soliciting, barking dogs, or parking complaints, you can call the Main Gate at 434-589-3215. 

• The Lake Monticello Police partner with the Fluvanna County Sheriff's Office to ensure law enforcement services 24/7. Please call the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center at 434-589-8211 for your crime-related, non-emergency law enforcement services.

• Always call 911 for any emergency that requires immediate fire department, rescue squad, or police intervention. 

Remembrance Ceremony: This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001. Please join the members of the Lake Monticello Fire Department, Rescue Squad, and Water Rescue to honor and commemorate all the civilians, firefighters, police officers, and EMTs who perished on that fateful day. They will gather at the 9/11 Memorial Garden at 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, on September 11, 2024, at 6 PM. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

Things To Do Tonight
Don't stay home, go out and have some fun!
We asked LMOA Staff what they are doing tonight, and these are their picks:

• Beleza will play Brazilian & Latin Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova, and Samba Soul at Bunker Bistro (51 Bunker Blvd.) tonight from 6 - 8:30 PM. There is a $10 cover charge. The bistro will have more news about their takeout menu next week. 

• Rick Hollowell will perform live at Hardware Hills Winery from 5 to 7:30 PM. (5199 W River Rd. Scottsville). 

• Fruit Hill Orchard is open until 6 PM this evening. For $15, you can pick a bouquet of 30 sunflower stems. Bring your clippers and a bucket or vase to take the flowers home.

• Drop-in Ceramic Painting at Sweet Art Emporium beside Food Lion can be done anytime the shop is open (closes tonight at 6 PM). Call ahead to check on available space: 434-882-2087.

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager