Hello, Team LMOA!

LMOA is very grateful to have a strong Department of Public Safety! This summer, our Lake Police led an investigation that brought a fraudulent contractor to justice. Our Volunteer Water Safety Team (VWST) has also been a tremendous help at Lake Monticello. 72 volunteers spent a total of 1550 hours supporting water safety in 2024! Please continue reading to learn more about their efforts and other official LMOA news: 

Lake Police: Our Department of Public Safety would like to congratulate Officer Jim Mooney for his hard work on multiple construction fraud cases. Officer Mooney investigated construction fraud complaints from five Lake residents who were defrauded by the same contractor. Mooney, working with the Fluvanna Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, was able to successfully indict the contractor on multiple felony fraud charges as well as contracting without a license. On September 12, 2024, in Fluvanna Circuit Court, the contractor pleaded guilty to multiple counts and was sentenced to three years in prison, ordered to pay over $70,000 in restitution, and had several other conditions placed upon him. We want to thank Officer Mooney for his diligence in putting these cases together and protecting other Lakers from further fraud. This is a good reminder to make sure you use licensed contractors. You can check to verify your contractor is licensed by visiting the VA Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations License Lookup. Virginia Law requires that any person performing construction, removal, repair, or improvement projects over $1,000 hold a valid contractor’s license.

VWST: Monti cookies were the star of the show at the Volunteer Water Safety Team’s end-of-season get-together. The theme of the potluck was 'Under the Lake’, and Pat Petersillia won first prize with her lake monster cookies. The second and third prizes went to Diane Allen (lake cake) and Nadine Lawliss (seaweed and fish). The Team also shared tales of their adventures while conducting water safety checks on Lake Monticello this summer. From educating boaters on rules and regulations to towing stranded boaters to shore, 72 VWST volunteers spent a total of 900 hours supporting the Department of Public Safety during large events and weekend safety shifts. VWST said another 650 hours were spent on training, boat maintenance, and administration! LMOA is beyond grateful for their tireless efforts to maintain a safe Lake. Thank you!

Fireworks Survey: This Monday, September 23, is the last chance to fill out the fireworks survey. The Board of Directors (BOD) wants to hear your opinion on canceling the July fireworks show or spending extra funds on safety and security for the event. In the last two years, LMOA has closed the gates to the public in the hope this would help decrease crowds, but it did not. LMOA Staff has looked into drone light shows, but they are considerably more expensive than fireworks and still draw large crowds that LMOA cannot manage. LMOA has asked Fluvanna County about holding fireworks at Pleasant Grove in 2025, but that request was not met with enthusiasm. At next week’s Board meeting, Chief Wells, our Director of Public Safety, will summarize the opinion LMOA received from legal counsel and the survey results. If you are an LMOA Homeowner and you would like to provide BOD feedback about the fireworks, please take the 5-minute survey that was sent to members in the email version of this GM Corner. The Board meeting takes place on September 26 at 7 PM. Email [email protected] if you would like to sign up to speak.
 
Boating Safety Class: VWST Leaders Diane and Gibb Kerr will hold a VA Boating Safety Education Class on November 9 from 10:30 AM - 5 PM at the Dick's-Public Lands Store in Charlottesville. This is the state-required course for operating motorboats with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater. There are 30 seats available, but since it’s a state-offered open class, seats may fill up quickly. If you’re interested, please use the link below to register HERE.

Black Bears: There have been several black bear sightings around the lake lately. Black bears are indigenous to the area, and as development around Lake Monticello grows, black bear sightings become more common. They look adorable, but they are wild animals. It is important to respect black bears and give them their space. Please make sure your kids know not to approach them. For more information about living with black bears, please go to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website. This page has several helpful tips regarding bears and how to avoid conflict with the animals. Additionally, there is no need to call the Lake Police or Sheriff’s Office to report bear sightings unless the bear appears injured or is aggressive. Local law enforcement will not attempt to move the bear out of your yard or capture the bear.  Remember, it is best to admire the bear from indoors and wait for it to pass through.

Marina Hours: Starting September 30, the Marina will adopt new winter hours of operation:

SUNDAY: 10 AM - 4 PM
MONDAY: 10 AM - 4 PM
TUESDAY: CLOSED
WEDNESDAY: CLOSED
THURSDAY: 10 AM - 4 PM
FRIDAY: 10 AM - 4 PM
SATURDAY: 10 AM - 4 PM

Free Financial Seminar: Nicholas DiGiorgio of United Brokerage Services is offering a free 4-part Financial Seminar Series at the Ashlawn Clubhouse. Part 3, Social Security Claiming Strategies, will be held at 11 AM on September 25. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing [email protected].

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:

• Sentimental Journey at Bunker Bistro: Seventeen musicians play danceable music starting at 6 PM. Call 434-591-0106 to reserve a table - they fill up quickly.

• Dine in, but don't cook! Pick up takeout from Lakeside Restaurant.

• Wahoo BBQ's Prime Rib Night starts at 5 PM but can sell out, so don't wait too long!

• The Flucos Vartisty Football Team plays away Buckingham County High School.

• There is live music at Hardwarehills Vinyard until 8 PM

• Save the date - A group of Fluvanna Leadership Development Program (FLDP) graduates, some of whom live at Lake Monticello, will be gearing up for next week’s Fall Fest at Pleasant Grove Park. The first annual Fluvanna Family Fall Festival is an FLDP project and takes place on September 28 from noon - 5 PM. It will feature local arts & crafts, music, food trucks, and a beer garden! Find out more at findfluvanna.org! 

Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager