Hello, Team LMOA,

It’s Budget Season at Lake Monticello! With Labor Day behind us, so ends our summer season. The pool is closed, Marina hours return to off-season hours (closing at 4 PM), and LMOA starts planning for the next fiscal year. We will kick off the public budget planning sessions on September 16, 2025. Please keep reading this announcement for the details and more official news from LMOA. Thank you!

Budget Planning Kickoff: Please join us on September 16 at the Fairway Clubhouse at 2 PM to review the proposed fee schedule for 2026. This is one of several budget planning sessions scheduled for this fall, with the goal of having the Board approve the final draft in November or December. If you would like to be involved, please review THIS CALENDAR and save the dates. Schedule details, such as time and place, will be posted on the Community Calendar in the next week. 

Fireworks 2026: We are happy to inform you that the fireworks test run went very well. LMOA is currently negotiating a contract for July 3, 2026. Planning for next year’s Independence Celebration will start this fall, starting with the formation of a workgroup. LMOA recommends watching from the 18th Fairway (click link to view a photo), but maybe you have a better suggestion. We invite you to take the 2025 Fireworks Survey to submit feedback about the rehearsal that took place on August 28, 2025. You can also use the survey to sign up for the workgroup by providing your email address. The group members will help organize the community events on July 3-5, 2026. Thank you for your feedback!

September 6 LMFD Training: The Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire Department will hold training for its members at Bunker Ballfield from 8 AM to 1 PM, which will include a helicopter landing. Please take note of this reservation, as residents will not be able to use the ballfield at that time, and parking will be limited. 

Stormwater Management: The LMOA Facilities & Lake Operations Committee is developing a plan to educate the community on managing stormwater on their own private properties, which includes more information about the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP). The information campaign will launch in October; please look out for more information.

Marina: Did you know that the Marina sells worms, fishing rods, ice, sunscreen, oil, flags, and a whole lot of other boating needs? Also, our Marina Team has created an LMOA Lake Health Board where you’ll find postings related to Lake Health and the latest water sampling data (which can also be found at lmoa.org). Go check it out! The current hours of the Marina are:

• Thursday - Monday 10 AM - 4 PM

• Tuesday - Wednesday CLOSED

Main Gate Phone: LMOA’s phone service provider at the Main Gate will conduct maintenance on September 6 from 1 - 6 AM. Users may experience interruptions that include one-way audio, no audio, or dropped calls. If this happens to you, please try calling back or emailing the Main Gate. 

Job Opportunity: Our Public Safety Team is looking for a Security Shift Supervisor for the overnight patrol, 24 hours a week. If you are interested, please apply HERE. 

September 11 Remembrance and Tribute: Join the Lake Monticello Fire Department, Rescue Squad, and Water Rescue in honoring those lost on September 11, 2001, at the 24th anniversary tribute. This will take place at the 9/11 Memorial Garden, 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, on September 11, 2025, at 6 PM. Refreshments follow the ceremony.  

Quit Nicotine/Smoking 2025 Blue Ridge Program: Volunteers from Lake Monticello invite you to join the “Quit Nicotine/Smoking 2025 Blue Ridge Program” that starts on September 24, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, running for six weeks and concluding on October 29. The sessions will be held via Zoom. Each session will focus on learning and experiencing various quitting strategies, such as medication options, acupuncture, hypnosis, stress reduction techniques, nutrition, and more. The Blue Ridge Health District covers Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. The program is still sponsored by the Blue Ridge Health District Tobacco Coalition, which includes the University of Virginia, Sentara Martha Jefferson, and Region Ten. The format will remain consistent: the first half is dedicated to class members, and the second half involves a presentation. Contact Laker Scott Mein at 862-432-0490 or [email protected] to sign up.

Fall Catch and Keep Event: The Lake Monticello Fishing Club invites you to support our fishery in a fun way. If you are a Lake Monticello resident, you can take part in the Catch & Keep Tournament set for the morning of September 20, with a rain date of September 27. The tournament has two categories: Small Bass and White Perch. Simply catch and keep all largemouth bass 15 inches or less, or any size of white perch. No need to register beforehand - just bring your catch to the Marina between 9 AM and 12:30 PM. Feel free to enter one or both categories. This event is brought to you by the Lake Monticello Facilities & Operations Department and the Lake Monticello Fishing Club, with prizes of $75, $50, and $25 for the top three catches in each category. If you have any questions, you can reach out to [email protected].

Blood Drive: The next Red Cross Blood Drive at Lake Monticello will be in the Ashlawn Clubhouse’s Lake Room on October 13, 9 AM – 2 PM. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

Learn About Fluvanna Elections: Join the Fluvanna County Electoral Board and Registrar for an informational session on the upcoming elections in Fluvanna County! The 30-minute presentation will take place on Tuesday, September 2, at 7 PM at the Fluvanna County Public Library (214 Commons Blvd, Palmyra, VA), covering how elections are conducted in the county, including election types, voting options, and security measures. Attendees will then have the chance to participate in a Q&A session. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the electoral process and get involved!

News from Jacie Dunkel: “Starting September 8, we will be closed on Mondays. Don't miss Jon Zlock, local musician and teacher, tonight at 6 PM, and Steven Smith on guitar tomorrow at 6 PM. Visit bunkerbistro.com for more events! Bunker Bistro is looking for a full-time, experienced line cook. We offer a flexible schedule for nights and weekends, and the kitchen closes at 8 PM, so that means no late nights!  If you are interested, please email us at [email protected]."


WATER SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK
brought to you by the Volunteer Water Safety Team

Did you know...

Every motorboat and paddle craft must have a sound signaling device onboard? Sound signaling devices have multiple safety purposes. On larger bodies of water, they can be used to communicate with other boaters. They are also used to call for help. Motorboats should have an installed horn, a handheld air horn, a bell, or a whistle. Paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks should have a whistle. The best place to keep your whistle is on your life jacket. That way if you fall overboard and need help, you have it with you. The Paddler's Info Bags at the Marina contain a complimentary whistle along with other information. Watch THIS VIDEO to learn more about these devices and how your cell phone can help or hinder your time on the water, and subscribe to the Volunteer Water Safety YouTube channel.

Enjoy Your Weekend!

Marieke Henry
LMOA Communications & Administration Director
On behalf of Tom Schauder, LMOA General Manager