Hello Team LMOA!

In contrast to the ice storm warnings, Lake Monticello has experienced a warm week. However, snow is forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, and LMOA staff will be prepared for any weather-related challenges. In this week’s official news summary, we encourage you to consider running for the board and to upload your photo to your online profile. We also invite you to participate in some exciting upcoming events and apply for available job opportunities at the Lake. Thank you for reading the GM Corner!



This is Your Year to Run for the Board! Exciting opportunities to enhance our community await as we have two openings on the LMOA Board of Directors this year. Petition Packets became available on February 3, but no one has requested one yet. For the first time ever, you can choose between electronic or traditional paper packets, making the process even easier than before - the choice is yours! To qualify as a Board Candidate, you will need to collect 150 signatures from Members in Good Standing before the deadline of 5 PM on March 31, 2025. The packet contains everything you need to know about running for the board and a questionnaire so you can tell us about yourself. The Election Committee will verify the signatures at the start of April, and qualifying candidates will be announced at the April 10 Special Open Session Meeting (more details to come). To get your packet, simply reach out to Executive Assistant Karis Rivera at [email protected] today. You have the power to create positive change at Lake Monticello by running for the board!

Upload Photo for Pool ID: We are happy to announce that Troon has hired Chris Markham as this year's Pool Manager. He did an outstanding job last year as the assistant manager and truly earned this promotion. Troon is currently seeking a new assistant manager and hiring lifeguards. Please note that lifeguards must obtain their certification on their own time and cost. With households in good standing receiving 25 free pool credits this summer, we anticipate that the pool season will look a bit different. It will take some getting used to. For example, we anticipate that occupancy will depend on staffing. This year's season will open on Saturday, May 24, and will close on Tuesday, September 2. The pool will have reduced hours starting August 12, when most lifeguards return to school. The staff is working on the details and will roll out the plan in March. However, we can already share that pool patrons will be required to carry Member IDs for check-in using either an app or a plastic card. If you plan to use your pool credits, you will need to provide a photo, which can be uploaded to your LMOA online profile. Please help us save time by uploading your photo now. You can watch this VIDEO on how to upload a photo to your profile. Member Services can also assist you. To schedule an appointment for assistance, please email [email protected].

Community Movie Night: The Young Residents and Families Committee is hosting a Hot Cocoa and Movie Night at the Ashlawn Clubhouse on February 15 from 6 - 10 PM. This cozy night of fun will feature Disney's WALL-E (Rated G) and free hot cocoa! Please contact the YRF Committee at [email protected] to RSVP, and don't forget to bring a blanket!

Book Appointment with DMV at Ashlawn: We are happy to have DMV back at the Ashlawn Clubhouse from 9 AM – 4 PM on February 11 for convenient appointments. You do have to book ahead of time as appointments are limited. Schedule an appointment HERE. Click "Book an Appointment", choose a service, and then look for DMV Connect at Lake Monticello. (HINT: you’ll need to scroll to the bottom to see our location, they are not listed in alphabetical order.)

Job Openings at Lake Monticello: LMOA’s Facilities & Operations Department is interviewing for a full-time Maintenance Technician. The Department of Public Safety is still seeking a certified Police Officer. If you are interested, please find more information and apply at CAREERS at lmoa.org. Bunker Bistro is also looking for friendly servers to join its team, whether you’re interested in full-time or part-time work. They have a variety of shifts available starting at 7 AM for its new breakfast menu. Experience is great, but they are happy to train the right people! If you’re interested, just email your resume to [email protected].

Barcodes: Barcodes were billed this week. We sent out electronic statements on Tuesday and mailed paper statements on Wednesday. Payments for barcodes are due by February 28, 2025. If corrections need to be made, please contact Billing: 434-589-8263, option 3.

Valentine’s Day at Bunker Bistro: Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and Bunker Bistro is taking reservations! Join them for a lovely evening featuring dinner and drink specials, plus some wonderful background jazz by Bob Bennetta and Larry Bisgaier. Bistro owners Jacie and Sam are also thrilled to welcome their new banquet manager, Joann Shelton! She’s here to help you plan your special celebrations with diverse menu options. If you have an event in mind, please reach out to them at [email protected].

LMOA Wildlife Committee Tips of the Month

Lake Monticello residents enjoy a harmonious coexistence with wildlife and benefit from a healthy and unique landscape. Here are some tips for enjoying the great outdoors during February.

• As Valentine's Day approaches, love is also in the air for some wildlife. February marks the beginning of courtship rituals for raccoons, river otters, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and various bird species. Be on the lookout for nesting activity in the bluebird boxes at the golf course and Ashlawn Clubhouse, which are maintained by Cathy Gibbs and the Wildlife Committee.

• February is an ideal time to prune certain landscape trees before the spring growth begins. Proper pruning requires an understanding of tree biology and helps maintain tree health and structure while enhancing the aesthetic and economic value of our properties. The International Society of Arboriculture offers a valuable resource for tree care at TreesAreGood.org, including a quick guide on pruning mature trees.

• In late winter, male deer (bucks) rub their antlers against small trees to loosen their antlers. You can protect your trees by using fencing or a tree tube secured to a stake for stability.

• For the gardener’s itch, now is the perfect time to start planning. The Wildlife Committee encourages residents to create a nature habitat at home that can be certified by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Our goal is to certify the whole community, and we are currently applying for some of our common areas - more on that later. The certification process for residents is easy and will educate you on how to establish a habitat tailored to your preferences. Find more information at Create & Certify.

• Additionally, consider renting a critter-free plot at the community garden located at Pleasant Grove Park. More details can be found at Community Garden | Fluvanna County Virginia.

Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager