Hello Team LMOA!

Thank you for reading LMOA's Official News Update:

Dam Emergency Action Plan: Chief Wells led a tabletop exercise this week that focused on our emergency procedures for the Main Dam. This review is crucial for keeping LMOA’s dam certification up to date. Representatives from LMOA, Fluvanna County, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Sheriff’s Office, Lake Monticello Water Rescue and Dive Team, and Shimp Engineering all came together to participate. In addition to this exercise, our LMOA staff conduct daily inspections of the dam, and engineers assess the Lake Monticello dams biannually. These essential measures help us ensure community safety and maintain our dam insurance.

Pavilion Project Working Group: At the October Board Meeting on the 24th, President Larry Henson confirmed that a working group will be formed to evaluate the Lake Monticello Community Foundation (LMCF) proposal to donate a pavilion on the Ashlawn Clubhouse grounds. This decision follows a meeting that took place on October 21 between homeowners who live near the Ashlawn Clubhouse, LMOA Board members and staff, Safety & Security Committee members, and LMCF board members. Ashlawn Clubhouse neighbors expressed concerns about safety, overcrowding, and lack of communication with residents closest to the proposed pavilion site. During the August LMOA Board Meeting, LMCF President Alan Stewart presented a proposal seeking the LMOA Board of Directors' approval for "a plan to enhance the Ashlawn Clubhouse and pool facility by donating a pavilion with a concrete foundation for community use". While the Board of Directors approved this request, both LMOA and LMCF Board Members reassured residents that planning is still in the early stages, that they are open to considering other locations, and that they will collaborate with the working group.
 
Fireworks Working Group: Laker Ann Walker spoke at the October Board Meeting to thank the Board and Staff Members who met with her this week to discuss the risks of a fireworks show. This meeting led to discussions about potentially forming a working group, which President Henson said he would support. Walker said her goal would be to evaluate whether risk could be brought back to an acceptable level where fireworks could be reconsidered.
 
Aqua Virginia: LMOA will provide an Aqua Virginia update in next week’s GM Corner.
 
DMV Connect Rescheduling: Good news! DMV Connect will be returning to the Ashlawn Clubhouse on the new date of Monday, October 28, 2024. To schedule an appointment, visit dmv.virginia.gov/appointments. Select ‘Book an Appointment,’ choose your service, and enter the Lake Monticello zip code (22963) to set up your visit. Member Service Staff tested DMV's link, and it appears to be working.
 
Pumpkin Carving and Bunker Pumpkin Path: The Young Residents and Families Committee (YRF) is excited to organize fun events for our community, like ‘Donuts with Dad’ and the ‘Ugly Holiday Sweater Karaoke Party.’ Thanks to our passionate YRF Committee members and volunteers, residents of all ages can enjoy great activities year-round. This month, the committee will provide tools for pumpkin carving on October 29 at 6 PM in the Ashlawn Clubhouse. Just bring along a hollowed pumpkin, and your neighbors will take care of the rest! Then, on November 1, you’re invited to join the annual Bunker Pumpkin Path. Bring your carved pumpkins to Bunker Park at 5:30 PM so YRF can place them around the track. They will also provide lights for the pumpkins, and everyone is welcome to admire the display until 8 PM, with music and candy adding to the fun. Costumes are encouraged, so bring your creativity! Although bringing a pumpkin is optional, it's a fantastic way to participate! If you have questions or want to help, please email [email protected]. They would love your support!

Trick-or-Treat Information: Get ready for Halloween! Children will be out trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 PM on Halloween Night, October 31. If you prefer not to participate, just turn off your porch lights. For those who want to join in the fun, there’s still time to sign up for LMOA’s candy map. Sign up HERE before October 29!

Last Call for Holiday Merchandise: This is the last weekend you can order a Lake Monticello Holiday T-shirt to help raise money for Fluvanna Meals on Wheels. The ornaments will continue to be available until they are sold out. If you want to help by purchasing unique holiday gifts, please order HERE. For every item sold, $5 goes to Fluvanna Meals on Wheels. LMOA covers manufacturing costs and keeps none of the proceeds. The T-shirts are customized right here in Fluvanna County by The Crossed Arrow LLC, a local company that also customized the Volunteer Water Safety Team’s attire. Pick-up will be at the Ashlawn Clubhouse starting November 18, 2024. We appreciate your help!
 
Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager